Also delicious, solid effort, the 2011 Vacqueyras Les Aubes (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) dishes up plenty of pepper, earth, licorice and smoky black fruits to go with a medium-bodied, nicely textured profile on the palate. Scoring high on sheer drinkability, it should be consumed over the coming 4-5 years. This was a solid tasting with proprietor Yves Gras. One of the benchmark estates in Gigondas, the estate also releases a number of high-quality negociant wines from Sablet, Vin de Pays and Cotes du Rhone. While 2011 and 2012 are strong vintages here, the wines are more streamlines and focused than in the past, and in the case of the 2012s, should benefit from short-term cellaring, as I found most to be closed and tight. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275