Country: France / Domaine de Montbayon
Variety: Rhône-style Red Blend Rhône Valley
Winery: Louis Bernard / Vacqueyras
This is a rather big, bulky Vacqueyras, but one that doesn’t seem to have the flesh to completely carry its size. The modest cherry flavors blend with dark, earthy notes into a tangle of leather and dried fruit. If it fleshes out in another year or two, this rating may prove conservative. Drink now–2018.