One of the gems in the vintage is the 2015 Vacqueyras les Genestes, which is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, that’s brought up all in concrete tanks. This broad, sexy, full-bodied beauty offers terrific notes of ripe black cherries, mulled blackberries, violets and incense, with building tannin and a blockbuster finish. It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink well for a decade.

Still in barrel, the 2014 Vacqueyras les Genestes Vieilles Vignes surprisingly has less fruit and texture than the 2013. The same blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah (raised all in concrete tank), it has a similar nose of dark fruits, violets and garrigue in a more medium-bodied, structured, tannic style the palate. I like its mid-palate and overall level of concentration, but it will be interesting to see where this comes in once in bottle.

The 2013 Vacqueyras les Genestes Vieilles Vignes is a stunner and one of the most expansive, rich and textured wines of the vintage. Checking in as a blend of 53% Grenache and 47% Syrah that was brought up all in concrete tank, it’s loaded with notions of ripe plums, black raspberries, garrigue, melted licorice and toasted spice. Medium to full-bodied, layered and shockingly concentrated and rich in the vintage, this beauty should drink nicely on release and have over a decade of overall longevity.

Even better, I was blown away by the 2012 Vacqueyras Les Genestes! An old vine blend of 56% Grenache and 44% Syrah that was partially destemmed and aged all in concrete tank, it knocks it out of the park with its ripe black raspberry, cassis, creamy licorice and toasted spice aromas and flavors. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness and depth, this beauty covers the palate with fruit, stays fresh and lively and has sweet tannin. Count me a fan. Already hard to resist, I see no reason to delay gratification.

A tad more successful, the 2011 Vacqueyras Les Genestes possesses additional fruit and texture, with medium-bodied richness, notable freshness and a core of chewy, savory tannin. Loaded with notions of black cherry, new leather, spice-box and licorice, it too is a traditionally-styled effort that will have a decade or so of longevity. Covering roughly 75 acres (37 of which are in Vacqueyras), Domaine des Amouriers has produced two solid 2011s, both of which see some stem inclusion and aging all in concrete tanks. They show classic, textbook southern Rhone style. Importers: J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 393-4441; Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275; David Vincent Selections, NJ; and J and J Importers, Bloomfield Hills, MI; tel. (248) 528-9463