The 2010 Vacqueyras, which comes from the sector known as Les Garrigues, is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. It exhibits an opaque purple color along with lots of charcoal, forest floor, roasted herb, licorice, pepper, blackberry and cassis characteristics. (Not yet released)Domaine Saint-Pierre, which has large vineyard holdings elsewhere but only about 14 acres in Vacqueyras, has produced two strong efforts in 2009.Importer: Sussex Wine Merchants, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 608-9644

The 2009 Vacqueyras, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, exhibits an inky/purple color along with lots of broad, savory, creme de cassis, black cherry and blackberry fruit intertwined with charcoal and bouquet garni notes. With outstanding concentration, a full-bodied mouthfeel and sweet tannin, it will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age since it is so young and primary. It should drink well over the following 10-12 years. Domaine Saint-Pierre, which has large vineyard holdings elsewhere but only about 14 acres in Vacqueyras, has produced two strong efforts in 2009.Importer: Sussex Wine Merchants, Moorestown, NJ; tel. (856) 608-9644

Black cherry, spices, lavender, herbs, menthol. Big, rich middle, juicy, dense, spiced black fruits, smooth, long finish, oaky.