Through most of the late 1980s and early 1990s, La Vielle Ferme VentousRouge was a staple on my shopping list. Since it sold for less than $3 a bottle, I would buy at least a case every year and finish it off by the end of the year. I never aged it but am sure it would have improved over 3 to 5 years or longer. La Vieille Ferme is still available, but the grapes no longer come from Ventoux. The equivalent today, produced by the same Perrin family, is this Ventoux Rouge. It is available for about $7 at Plum Market in Ann Arbor, and I have seen it on the shelves at Sawall's Health Foods in Kalamazoo for a dollar or two more. It is still a big favorite of mine, demonstrating all of the best qualities of the Southern Rhone.
Medium ruby, bright and clear. Grenache strawberries covered with freshly ground black pepper. Syrah body and structure and Carignan spice. Drinks so beautifully at every stage of development and with any meal--from fine dining to carry out pizza. This is my last bottle; I must go and get more.
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