Vignerons de Caractère Vacqueyras Chemin des Rouvieres 2007 - $17

70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre

David: Light ruby red in color. Nose of red currant and vanilla. Medium bodied, velvety texture. Nice red fruits on the palate, currant and strawberry with some briary flavors as well. Medium acidity and generally well balanced. Sufficient tannins to give it a little more structure. A pretty tasty and overall good wine though lacking the complexity I would expect in a 90 point Vacqueyras.
Score: 3.9/5

Domaine Le Pont du Rieu - Vacqueyras 2007 - $20

David: Vacqueyras is a Southern Rhone appellation near the Châteauneuf-du-Pape (around Avignon). This is a full bodied Rhone red made from Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Syrah grapes.

We decanted the wine for about an hour. The nose indicates black cherry and currents with a hint of leather and earthiness. The dark fruit comes on strong on the palate followed by rich tannins followed by spiciness. Quite astringent but well balanced with the powerful dark fruit. Want to try more of these Rhone reds.
Score: 4.3/5

Jessica: Lovely deep red. My first reaction was "smells like grandmas kitchen" but could not determine if that was the wine or the Spanish Chicken entree I had cooking. There was a hint of bitterness of tannins but not overhwhelming and I agree the wine had an earthiness. The length and depth were satisfyingly complex and very palatable. Would buy again, I bet it goes well with a roast chicken.

Jessica 4.5/5