The inky/blue/purple-tinged 2010 Vacqueyras Olivier Ravoir offers sweet notes of charcoal, graphite, blackberries and blueberries along with full body, good acidity and a young, primary style. It should drink well for a decade. (Not yet released)Importer: Saranty Imports, LLC, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463

One of the many exceptional Vacqueyras from what is truly an outstanding vintage for this appellation, this dense ruby/purple-tinged 2009 Vacqueyras Olivier Ravoir performed brilliantly. Made from a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre from 35 year old vines, it exhibits copious notes of forest floor, spring flowers, blackberries, black cherries, camphor and lead pencil shavings. Superb concentration, a full-bodied mouthfeel and the potential for 10 years of evolution further characterize this brilliant Vacqueyras. Importer: Saranty Imports, LLC, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-9463

The big, deep, seriously endowed 2007 Vacqueyras (75% Grenache and 25% Syrah) reveals a deep, saturated ruby/purple color, lots of blackberry and cherry fruit, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and heady levels of glycerin. It should drink well for 4-6 years. No known American importer.