I loved the 2010 Vacqueyras Jean-Marie Arnoux, which is 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre aged six months in large wood foudres. It exhibits a dense purple color and a more evolved style than most 2010s, with lots of forest floor, underbrush, spring flowers and blue and black fruits. Dense and luscious with sweet tannin and decent acidity, it should drink well for 5-6 years.
(Not yet released)
With over 100 acres in Vacqueyras, this is a large estate making at least seven separate Vacqueyras cuvees. They all reveal a family style, and are consistently well made efforts although not among the finest in the appellation. Prices are very reasonable across the board except for their top cuvee, the 1717, which costs three times more than its siblings.
Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655
