2010 Domaine du Grand Montmirail, Vacqueyras, Rhone Red, France.
With prices of Chateauneuf out of sight, and Gigondas getting up in the $50 range, it is awesome to find a stunning Rhone from the 2010 vintage still in the $20-25 area, and this Vacqueyras has it all and is very Chateauneuf like with plenty of depth, mineral tones and lush richness. With fresh acidity and peppery spices this wine just keeps getting more and more interesting as it opens in the glass, along with licorice, lavender, dried flowers and baked earth it shows layers of complexity with dark plum, boysenberry and bitter chocolate notes. This wine is a no brainer home run, and is a must for those that love things Rhoney, especially Grenache fans. The other black grapes in the mix add class and subtle meaty notes, but everything is smoothly pure in this Grenache based wine, with just the perfect amount of Syrah and Mourvedre adding to the whole. No question, the 2010 Domaine du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras is one of the best deals of the vintage so far, don’t miss this gem.
($22 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive
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Avail. at www.sfwtc.com ($18.95)