Domaine la Monardiere Les Calades Vacqueyras, 2007

This is the least expensive of three cuvees of Vacqueyras produced at Domaine la Monardiere. That's the reason I buy it, and it's always a very good wine for around $20 a bottle. The estate recommends that it be consumed after 3 to 5 years (compared to 4 to 6 for Les 2 Monardes and 8 to 10 for La Vieille Vignes) because that is when the spicy fruit should be showing best.

Very deep and dark./ Ripe, spicy fruit is at the forefront, as it should be. Black plums and berries, coffee and cassis (as opposed to the black licorice that I usually get from Vacqueyras minerals). Plummy sweet fruit tannins on the mid-palate, smooth and approachable. This wine is at a perfect stage for drinking; I have often waited a bit too long with past vintages. The 2007 is a tad ripe for my taste, and leans slightly toward an international style (barriques?), but others at the table like it immensely.

Domaine la Monardiere, I understand, has been using organic farming methods for several years and can take full credit starting with the 2010 vintage. All grapes here are picked by hand.