More rich and decadent than the Gigondas, the 2013 Vacqueyras is superb effort and a gem in the vintage. Black raspberry, licorice, toast and spice all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured 2013. It too should be approachable on release and drink nicely for 6-7 years.

In addition to the two Gigondas releases, this estate makes a fine Vacqueyras. The 2012 is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that’s aged in a combination of tank and older barrels, it exhibits plenty of black cherry and blackberry fruit, ground herbs and some earthiness to go with a medium to full-bodied, ripe and voluptuous style on the palate. Already delicious, drink it over the coming 5-7 years.

The 2010 Vacqueyras (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre) reveals an opaque purple color as well as terrific aromas of blue and black fruits, charcoal, smoked meats, lavender and licorice. This rich, full-bodied, impressively endowed 2010 should drink well for a decade or more. (Not yet released)This has been one of the top estates in Gigondas since the mid-nineties thanks to the efforts of the Faravel family. I did not see the regular 2009 Gigondas since it is apparently sold out.A Peter Vezan Selection, various American importers including: Michael Skurnick, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (513) 229-3630

From this tiny 7.2-acre estate, the 2010 Vacqueyras (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre aged in neutral wood and tank) is a sexy, opaque purple-colored offering with low acidity, lots of succulent red and black fruits intermixed with notes of licorice, incense and underbrush. Its opulence, fleshiness and naked expression of exuberant fruit gives it a flamboyant, consumer-friendly personality. It’s a big wine, but the fruit is so delicious and ripe, it is impossible to resist. Drink it over the next 5-6 years. One of the better estates in Gigondas is run by Gilles and Thierry Faravel. Domaine La Bouissiere produces two Gigondas cuvees with the most abundant being the 2,500-case Gigondas tradition. A Peter Vezan Selection, various American importers including: Michael Skurnick, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (513) 229-3630

While most of La Bouissiere’s holdings are in Gigondas, they also have 6.5 acres in Vacqueyras. A blend of 60% Grenache from 50 year old vines and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, the dark plum/ruby/garnet-hued 2009 Vacqueyras exhibits the vintage’s sexy, soft tannins, high glycerin, rich fruit and velvety personality. With an evolved nose of cedar, loamy soil, forest floor and red and black fruit notes, this deep, rich, full-bodied, charming effort can be drunk over the next 5-6 years. This has been one of the top estates in Gigondas since the mid-nineties thanks to the efforts of the Faravel family. I did not see the regular 2009 Gigondas since it is apparently sold out. A Peter Vezan Selection, various American importers including: Michael Skurnick, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (513) 229-3630