A more limited production effort, the 2011 Vacqueyras Le Clos is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah that spends two year in concrete tanks prior to bottling. Loaded with spice, menthol, pepper, tobacco lead and darker berry fruit, this medium-bodied, supple wine is nicely balanced, has fresh acidity and builds in richness with time in the glass. It’s a beautiful 2011 that will drink nicely for 7-8 years. One of my favorite southern Rhone estates, Montirius, which is run by the passionate Christine and Eric Saurel, fashions classic Gigondas and Vacqueyras from their roughly 143 acres under vine, 40 of which are in Gigondas. There is absolutely no wood whatsoever used and aging occurs all in concrete tanks. The wines show classic profiles and are always well made. The 2012s are a step up over the 2011s and offers additional richness and texture. Importers: Ruby Wines, Avon, MA; tel. (508) 588-7007; and Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620