Made from a traditional assemblage dominated by Grenache with some Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2009 Vacqueyras Domaine Mas du Bouquet reveals a dense purple color along with sweet blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with notes of licorice, Provencal herbs and pepper. Enjoy this soft, round, delicious 2009 over the next 5-6 years. (Not yet released) This is a well-run large cooperative in Vacqueyras that admirably displays the talent involved. I tasted a dozen separate cuvees from this operation and six of them were potentially outstanding. Most of the others were competent, correct wines. This huge cooperative controls over 1,100 acres in Vacqueyras, and the wines are realistically priced for such high quality. The following six wines should change the mind of anyone with an anti-cooperative prejudice. Importers: Fruit of the Vines, Long Island City, NY; tel. (718) 392-5640; and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (800) 597-1491