One of the stars of the portfolio is the 2006 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes. A full-bodied wine with plenty of cassis fruit intermixed with smoked herbs, licorice, and a hint of garrigue, this is a beauty – deep, full-bodied, powerful, and in the style of a top Chateauneuf du Pape. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. This high-quality negociant operation, started by Burgundian Dominique Laurent and his southern sidekick, the charismatic Michel Tardieu, continues to turn out high-class wines from purchased wine. Front man Michel Tardieu seems to know some of the finest growers in the Rhone, and he is willing to pay top dollar in order to get the stuff he wants.Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Alluring aromas of fruitcake and Turkish coffee give way to graphite, roasted chestnut, tar, melted licorice and bittersweet cocoa. The long, rich finish has a buried raciness, so let this blossom in the cellar. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2010 through 2012. 475 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Vacqueyras Select to Add

Lavishly oaked, with cedar, cinnamon and vanilla notes taking the lead. Bright cherry fruit shines through, and the texture is lush and inviting on the midpalate, then dusty and drying on the finish.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 86