A combination of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah (100% destemmed), two-thirds aged in foudre and one-third in small barrels, the 2007 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes exhibits superb raspberry and black cherry fruit, licorice, crushed rock, and spice box notes. It is a fuller-bodied, deeper, more concentrated effort displaying additional structure as well as fruit depth. Consume it over the next 7-10 years. This large, exclusively Vacqueyras domaine has 100 acres spread throughout the appellation. Perhaps they produce too many cuvees, but there is unquestionably a lot of good wine to be found from Maison Arnoux et Fils. The wines differ slightly in both blends and upbringings, with the most traditional cuvees, such as Vieux Clocher, Arnoux et Fils, Jean-Marie Arnoux, and Chapelle St.-Arnoux, undergoing typical upbringings of only tank or ancient foudres (no new oak). The Seigneur de Lauris is aged in a combination of foudres and small barrels. The 1717 sees 100% new oak barrels, and the Vieilles Vignes is kept in both small and large oak barrels. Importers: Grape Expectations, California; and Wine Without Borders

Deeper, richer, and more complete, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes reveals sweeter black cherry and blackberry fruit along with hints of minerality, earth, forest floor, and pepper. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. This large, exclusively Vacqueyras domaine has 100 acres spread throughout the appellation. Perhaps they produce too many cuvees, but there is unquestionably a lot of good wine to be found from Maison Arnoux et Fils. The wines differ slightly in both blends and upbringings, with the most traditional cuvees, such as Vieux Clocher, Arnoux et Fils, Jean-Marie Arnoux, and Chapelle St.-Arnoux, undergoing typical upbringings of only tank or ancient foudres (no new oak). The Seigneur de Lauris is aged in a combination of foudres and small barrels. The 1717 sees 100% new oak barrels, and the Vieilles Vignes is kept in both small and large oak barrels. Importers: Grape Expectations, California; and Wine Without Borders