2007 Domaine Le Couroulu "Classique" Vacqueyras

91 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Vivid red. Seductively perfumed, complex bouquet of red and dark berries, Asian spices and minerals. Pinot-like in aromas and flavors, with sweet raspberry and blackberry notes, silky texture and good back-end snap. This graceful wine is already very tasty but is balanced to age." ((Jan 09 ) 90+ points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2007 Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique is just that. Kirsch liqueur, roasted Provencal herbs, spice box, licorice, and lavender soar from the glass of this full-bodied, richly fruity wine, which has superb depth, density, and a 30+-second finish. This is an impressively endowed, round, voluptuous style of Vacqueyras, but don’t make the mistake of drinking it all in its exuberant youthfulness, as it will keep for 6-7 years. It is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre aged in foudres." (10/09) 90 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe and lush, but well-harnessed, as mesquite and iron notes lend a tangy frame to the solid core of mulled plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The finish is long and smoldering. Drink now through 2011." (05/10) 14% abv.