This offers a direct beam of raspberry ganache, graphite and fruitcake flavors, backed by a twinge of plum skin on the lightly toasted finish. Drink now. 100 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Vacqueyras Select to Add

Another solid effort, the 2012 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes has lots of plum sauce, spice-box and mesquite like qualities to go with a medium to full-bodied, ripe, fleshy and rounded style on the palate. Made from 90% Grenache and 20% Syrah that spent 12 months in 3-year-old barrels, it’s already hard to resist, and I see no reason to hold off either.

Perfumy, with sandalwood and rooibos tea notes out front, followed by lightly steeped plum and cherry fruit. The fine-grained structure lends a slightly firm edge to the finish. Drink now through 2014. 100 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Vacqueyras Select to Add

Moving to the reds, and a smoking good blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that was aged all in older barrels, the 2011 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes displays impressive levels of peppery spice, kirsch, dried underbrush and assorted floral notes to go with a medium to full-bodied, voluptuously styled palate. Mouth-filling, with no hard edges and seriously pure fruit, it can be consumed now or cellared for 7-8 years. Drink now-2023. This serious estate is run by Laurent Brotte, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. The wines offer high quality across the board and can represent fantastic values. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

Other negociant wines made by Brotte include the 2010 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, made from nearly 100-year-old vines on the Plateau of Garrigues, near Sarrians, and aged totally in cement tanks prior to bottling. A dense purple color is followed by sweet black cherry liqueur notes intermixed with notions of cassis, licorice, smoked herbs and earth. This terrific Vacqueyras will require 2-3 years of cellaring because of its good acids and the fact that it is so primary. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label.Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799