The 2010 Vacqueyras Cuvee Floureto exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as a lot of CO2, which should be gone by the time it is bottled. It possesses plenty of sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, barbecue smoke and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied with soft tannins and a luscious finish, it should drink well for 10+ years. (Not yet released)One of the most brilliant producers in Vacqueyras is Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux (meaning “blood from the stones”).Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-01524

The 2007 Vacqueyras Floureto is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault. It boasts a dense purple color to the rim as well as an exceptional bouquet of creme de cassis, licorice, meat juices, smoke, soy, and bouquet garni. The complex aromatics are followed by a wine with outstanding density, a superb, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a deep, rich, complete finish. This beautiful wine should drink well for 7-8 years. 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

Vibrant, dark summer fruits. Fleshy, tobacco. Vineyard depth over modern new oak. Good tannins and length.

The 2004 Vacqueyras Cuvee Floureto was somewhat difficult to assess. There is plenty of body and richness, but the tannins are dry and the finish is slightly pinched and austere, with a distinctive tarry character. The wine is pure with plenty of black fruit, herb, and pepper notes, but seems angular. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524