Smoldering charcoal and black tea notes lead the way with fleshy supple notes of blackberry preserves mulled fig and spice. A roasted chestnut hint weaves subtly through the finish. This has good character. Drink now through 2014. -JM

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.

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. - Robert Parker