2006 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes

90% Grenache (90+ yrs), 10% Syrah (30 yrs). Deep ruby. Immediate note of coconut. But when agitated the fruit comes through to dominate the nose with spice and liquorice. Really savoury and intensely mineral. Firm, compact, thick tannins. Very young and full of life under the tannin overcoat. (JH)

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

Dark purple. Seductive, highly perfumed red berry and cherry aromas are complemented by zesty minerals and flowers. Tangy and youthfully taut, with energetic redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors. Finishes with very good focus and lift.