A potentially outstanding effort, the 2009 Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre from 30-year-old vines and aged for six months in foudre. It is a great introduction to just how good Vacqueyras can be, yet sell for a realistic price (8 euros at the estate). Copious notes of spice, pepper, garrigue, black cherries and earth are followed by a medium to full-bodied, supple-textured wine meant to be consumed over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released) With approximately 100 acres of vines in Vacqueyras, Arnoux et Fils is one of the largest of the family-owned, estate-bottled producers. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655