Domaine le Sang des Cailloux Vacqueyras, 1998

This Vacqueyras was inexpensive enough ($10 a bottle) when it was released at Village Corner in Ann Arbor that I could afford to buy a case . And the wine has done nothing but improve over the last two decades.

Still a good color with minimal bricking at the edges. Smells and tastes like a very good Cbateauneuf du Pape in its prime. Compact like a fruit cake: dried cherries and berries, nuts and brioche. Very intense and very concentrated. A perfect match for grilled lamb with mint sauce: gamey, meaty flavors under lifted notes of bay leaves, mint and rosemary. An enchanting experience. Unfortunately, this is my last bottle.l.