Rhone Valley Rhone Blend 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

Hailed by Robert Parker as “one of the 20 most influential wine personalities of the past 20 years,” Robert “Bobby” Kacher is as passionate about seeking out great and often undiscovered wines today as when he began his eponymous import business more than two decades ago. Constantly challenging his growers and winemakers to produce more authentic and naturally complex wines, Bobby continues to bring higher quality and value to his extensive portfolio every year. The vivid pink 2012 Château Grande Cassagne Rosé, made on the western edge of the Rhône Valley by brother team Benoît and Laurent Dardé, is a special USA-only cuvee produced exclusively for Robert Kacher Selections. Made from 45% Grenache, 45% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, this rosé offers plush flavors of strawberry, fresh herbs, dark plum, and white pepper, with a hint of minerally tang on a fully dry finish. -- 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.