2011 Roucas Toumba Vacqueyras La Grande Terre

A classic, traditional effort that has plenty of saddle leather, licorice, ground herbs, pepper and spice box, the 2011 Vacqueyras Le Grand Terre (a tank-aged blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre) is medium-bodied, lightly textured and has loads of character. Med-weight in style, with savory tannin, it should be given another year in bottle and enjoyed through 2019. Importers: Galaxy Wine Company (Portland, OR); tel. (503) 248-9493 ; Maximum Wine Company (Englishtown, NJ); tel. (732) 786-9610; and Potomac Selections (Landover, MD); tel. (301) 583-8844.