The 2008 Vacqueyras Doucinello possesses loads of fruit intertwined with hints of pepper and garrigue, an elegant, Burgundian style, medium body, and an upfront, lush finish. Near-term consumption is warranted. (Not yet released)One of the top estates of Vacqueyras is Domaine Les Sang des Cailloux. Both 2008 cuvees performed well for the vintage, but they have to take a back seat to what this domaine accomplished in 2007.Importer:Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-01524

The 2005 Vacqueyras Cuvee Doucinello (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre in Cinsault, and again totally destemmed and aged in foudres) is a beauty. Deep ruby/purple, with hints of prune, blackberry, new saddle leather, pepper, licorice, and spices, it is rich, dense, concentrated, but has silky tannins. Drink it over the next 10-12 years. With 42 acres, Domaine Sang des Cailloux seems to make the argument with each vintage that it is the top producer in Vacqueyras. The wines, named after proprietor Serge Ferigoule’s daughters, are consistently super, exhibiting the full glories of Provence, the Grenache grape, and the terroirs of Vacqueyras.Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524