Rhone Valley Wine

Under their negociant line of wines (called Alain Jaume), the 2010 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is a classic Vacqueyras with lots of dense, concentrated, black cherry and plum fruit intermixed with hints of garrigue and licorice, a full-bodied mouthfeel. Under their negociant line of wines (called Alain Jaume), the 2010 Vacqueyras Grande Garrigue is a classic Vacqueyras with lots of dense, concentrated, black cherry and plum fruit intermixed with hints of garrigue and licorice, a full-bodied mouthfeel.

Arnoux Père's "White Label" Vacqueyras "Seigneur de Lauris," a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, sees new oak, and offers excellent structure and aging potential.

Located just a few miles from the famous appellation of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the relatively obscure appellation of Lirac can produce wines that are quite similar to that of its illustrious neighbor, at a fraction of the price. The soils are similar to that of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, including, in many vineyards, an ankle-spraining abundance of the potato-size stones called galet, which are considered a key to the quality of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Château de Ségriès, which is owned by a branch of the family that owns Domaine de la Mordorée, a top Chateauneuf-du-Pape producer, provides an excellent example of the quality potential of the Lirac appellation. Made from a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan, hand harvested from 40 year old vines, the 2010 Château de Ségriès "Cuvée Réservée" offers ripe, vivid flavors of blueberry, raspberry, tobacco leaf and plum, with a firm lashing of ripe tannins at the finish. Although ready to drink now, this wine offers an additional aging potential of 2 to 4 years. -- Ben Giliberti

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape is performing even better from bottle than it did last year. Composed of 47% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre, it is surprisingly soft and evolved for La Nerthe, but that actually gives the wine additional appeal. Its dense ruby/purple hue is followed by aromas of blue and black fruits, lavender, licorice, truffles and garrigue. Full-bodied, supple textured, fleshy and succulent, it will provide enjoyment over the next 10-15 years.