Even better than the straight '09 Vacqueyras is the fantastically good 2009 Domaine La Garrigue Vacqueyras La Cantarelle. From a single plot of 80 to 100-year-old vines and a blend 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged all in concrete tank for 18 months it carries a much more serious mineral driven profile with pure cherry and raspberry fruit characteristics intermixed with smoked earth roasted meats licorice and crushed rock aromas on the nose. Full-bodied and beautifully concentrated on the palate with a rich seamless texture beautiful ripeness and masses of ripe tannin this beauty needs another 2-3 years of bottle age and should drink beautifully for 10-12+ years.

The spectacular 2009 Vacqueyras La Cantarelle a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 80+ year old vines boasts an inky/purple color as well as a nose of scorched earth burning charcoal embers blackberries cassis licorice and hints of truffles and charcuterie. Full-bodied intense thick and viscous this is a superb Vacqueyras that possesses all the hallmarks of this precocious vintage. Drink it over the next decade.