2009 Domaine Le Colombier Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, 375ml

Domaine Le Colombier is in Vacqueyras, in the Southern Rhone Valley. The 54-acre estate is owned by Jean-Louis Mourre, a third generation winemaker. Jean-Louis studied geology at university before returning to the family estate in 1995 and taking over daily operations. Today he makes about 18,000 cases of wine annually in three appellations: Vacqueyras, Ventoux and IGP, of vin de pays, Mediterranee. Some of the vines at Le Colombier date to the first few years of the 20th century. Mourre makes a portfolio of red and white wines from vineyards planted to Marsanne, Viognier, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.

Vacqueyras AOC is in the Southern Rhone Valley and runs along the banks of the Ouvèze River. It received its appellation status 1990, having been part of the AOC Côtes du Rhone appellation since 1937. Some 97 percent of the wine made in Vacqueyras is red, and like its neighbor to the north, Gigondas, Vacqueyras is known for its powerful wines. There are 3,200 vineyard acres planted to Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Muscardin, Counoise, Clairette and Bourbolenc. Vacqueyras reds are dark, spicy, tannic and considered good for aging.