More ripe and decadent, the 2005 Vacqueyras Le Clos offers lots of blackcurrants, smoked meats, black licorice and assorted meatiness to go with a full-bodied, layered and hedonistic style on the palate. This borders on overripe, but has a great texture and cleans up nicely on the finish. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, it’s best consumed over the coming couple of years.

This Rh?ne red is dark and really packed, but also seamless, with a round, juicy texture carrying the fig sauce, black licorice, Turkish coffee and iron notes. The long finish is filled with blackberry and mineral. Best from 2009 through 2013. 2,500 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Vacqueyras Select to Add