2009 Vacqueyras Cuvee Azalais

The forward 2009 Vacqueyras Cuvee Azalis is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault from the limestone and red clay Galets Roules sector of the appellation. It exhibits elegant berry fruit notes intermixed with roasted herb, pepper, cedarwood, new saddle leather and spice. Medium to full-bodied and silky textured, it is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. One of the most brilliant producers in Vacqueyras is Domaine Le Sang des Cailloux (meaning “blood from the stones”). Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-01524

A destemmed blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the 2009 Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras Cuvée Azalais is the estate’s traditional cuvee that’s named each year after one of the three daughters of the winemaker. Aged for 6 months in foudre, it delivers a textbook, traditional bouquet of garrigue, sappy underbrush, leather, and lavender that leads to a medium-bodied, round, supple wine that possesses sweet fruit, excellent balance, and a very drinkable profile. Always a solid, traditional Vacqueyras, this beauty should continue to shine for 7-8 years.

Very light nose with a floral aspect. Lots of acidity and some pretty tight tannins on the end. (JR)