($26): This is a classic example of Vacqueyras, one of the nine “cru” in the southern Rhône Valley whose wines are distinctive enough to warrant identification by only the name of the village.  (Châteauneuf-du-Pape is likely the best known of the southern Rhône cru.)  This Vacqueyras is big, but not overdone, conveying a lovely combination of herbs, spice and dark fruit.  This attractively rustic wine would be perfect as the temperature falls and the hearty stews and casseroles of winter appear.
90 Michael Apstein Nov 3, 2015