A representative tank sample of the 2017 Vacqueyras showed impressive ripeness and concentration. Leather and clove notes accent blueberry fruit in this full-bodied blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. It finishes long and creamy in texture.

Lurid ruby. Expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri and licorice are complemented by building mineral and allspice nuances. Juicy, densely packed black raspberry, bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors become sweeter with aeration. Youthfully gripping tannins lend shape to an impressively long, spice-accented finish that echoes the floral and blue fruit notes. Raised in a combination of oak foudres, demi-muids and barriques.

Moving to the reds and just bottled, the 2017 Vacqueyras (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) is a medium to full-bodied, ripe, balanced effort that has loads of black fruits, truffle, olive, and peppery herb aromas and flavors. Due to miserable yields, there was no Special Cuvée produced, so this cuvée includes those parcels that normally go into the more expensive cuvée. It's going to keep for 8-10 years.

Plush blueberry and blackberry preserves are lifted by swathes of violet and rose petal in this ripe, mouthwatering red. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah matured in neutral wood, it's an ample, open-knit wine framed by fine, feathery tannins. Juicy and forward, it's best enjoyed now through 2024.