2007 Mas du Bouquet Vacqueyras (Previously $13)

90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Deep ruby. Rich blackberry and kirsch aromas are complicated by candied flowers, anise and garrigue, with a sexy note of cola coming up with air. Sweet dark berry flavors coat the palate, firmed by fine-grained tannins that are quickly absorbed by the fruit. This sweet, long wine is already very alluring." (01/09) 89-91 points Robert Parker: "The general style is one of fruity, good quality, commercially-styled wines that represent very good value, and are immediately appealing. All of the 2007s are fruit-laden, lush, and best drunk in their first 3-5 years of life. The sumptuous Domaine Le Mas du Bouquet, 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvedre, is aged in tank prior to early bottling" (02/09) Purity and pretty is what comes to mind when I taste this wine. Make no mistake, Mas du Bouquets 2007 Vacqueyras has a generous dollop of forward fruit generosity that we have all grown to love with this superb vintage. However, delicate flora-matic and sassafrass nuances remind me of a lighter and brighter wine, without having to use ponderous adjectives like vanilla, baking spices or toasty, toasty and more toasty. Chestnut-stuffed baked chicken or a generous serving of sautéed mushrooms served over grilled garlic bread are highly recommended! (Mulan Chan-Randel, K&L Wine Merchants) 14.5% abv.