Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras, 1999

This is one of the finest of Vacqueyras wines, and I am impressed every time I open a bottle. It has a deep, dark garnet color all the way to the rim. From the first sniff and sip, this wine is very black fruit, very Vacqueyras--berries, plums, black licorice and minerals. The bouquet is nicely developed and classic to the Vacqueyras appellation. There is warmth on the palate that brings forward a pleasing array of flavors. Tasted side by side, this wine is firmer, not as fruity as the Mordoree (see below); but there is significantly more concentration and depth. Complex, ripe, fruit flavors come together in a cascade on the finish, bringing me back for sip after sip. This is a very fine wine, not at all old at 11 years of age.