While the 2009 Vacqueyras Cuvee Prestige is more expensive, it is also more backward and is made from a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, all aged in 600-liter demi-muids. This promising cuvee reveals an opaque blue/purple color as well as abundant notes of blackberries, cassis, cedarwood, underbrush, forest floor, pepper and lavender. Rich, full-bodied, dense and textured, it will benefit from several years of bottle age and should drink well for a decade. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The 2007 Vacqueyras Cuvee Prestige (equal parts Syrah and Grenache) is given a slightly longer upbringing in 600-liter demi-muids. Less evolved than its sibling, it has tons of potential, but needs another year or so of bottle age. A dense opaque purple color is followed by aromas of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with charcoal, graphite, licorice, and smoked meats. Rich, dense, and impressively built, it will drink well for 7-8 years.Owner Bernard Burle has fashioned two brilliant 2007 Vacqueyras from his 50 acres of vines.A Jack Siler Selection, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 644-5210, various American importers.

A controversial offering, the 2006 Vacqueyras Cuvee Prestige was aged in new oak, and at this stage, it reveals excessive amounts of toasty vanillin. The color is black/purple, and the wine is certainly concentrated and well-made, but it is somewhat atypical. The oak will integrate to a certain extent, but this is not your Grandmother’s Vacqueyras. This wine is loaded with potential, but at present, the oak is glaringly disjointed. Time will tell.Proprietor Bernard Burle has 45 acres in Vacqueyras which represents half of his entire domaine in the southern Rhone.A Jack Siler Selection, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 644-5210; various American importers.

This serious offering from Proprietor Bernard Burle was aged 10 months in barrel after a long maceration. Made from older vines, the 2004 Vacqueyras Cuvee Prestige reveals a touch of new oak as well as additional tannin and density, but no more charm than the regular bottling. It should be consumed during its first 3-4 years of life.