The least impressive, although interesting, offering is the 2006 Vin De Pays Les Hautes Terraces. It is a 100% Syrah displaying earthy, spicy, creme de cassis notes in addition to high tannins, a dry, austere mid-palate, and a heady finish. This cuvee sees some new oak, but that component is largely concealed by its concentrated fruit.Proprietor Jocelyn Chudzikiewicz’s Domaine des Amouriers has always been one of my reference points for high quality Vacqueyras. From their 25 acres in this appellation, they generally make three cuvees, two from Vacqueyras and a Vin de Pays from 100% Syrah. While the Signature is generally a blend of 68% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Les Genestes is usually 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah. These wines are aged completely in cement tanks before bottling.Importers: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083; and J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 393-4441

One of the more consistent estates in Vacqueyras is the 22.5-acre Domaine des Amouriers. The 2006 Les Hautes Terraces, which is a 100% Syrah vin de pays aged in foudre, is internationally styled, and in this vintage is impressively concentrated, dense ruby/purple, with notes of blackberry and cassis as well as charcoal and earth. Aged in foudre, it should be drunk in its first 4-5 years of life. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083 and J et R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. 517-393-4441