This is so much better than the $25
Domaine Du Grand Montmirail Vacqueyras that was so highly rated. It is a bit simpler, but it succeeds in what it is trying to do. I just could not get enough of this one, and I will buy more.

What a charming southern Rhône blend here (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Carignan), with attractive aromas of cherry, plums, baking spices, licorice and black pepper. This blend is medium bodied (with 14,1% alc.), very ripe fruit and rich mouthfeel, balance acidity, oak well integrated with dusty tannins. This wine is sweet, spicy with excellent depth of flavours and mild tannins on the finish. This Côtes du Rhône Villages is uncomplicated, youthful, fresh with bright flavours and a great value. Strongly recommended.

Solid Cairanne Villages red, medium-full-bodied, dominated by red fruits, and a few shakes of pepper. Still quite youthful for an '07 as the tannin is still noticeable if not obtrusive. Decent value. Will hold a few more years. Tasted Feb 2012.