2011 Domaine Le Colombier "Cuv̩e G" Vacqueyras

Looking at the reds and the only 2011 I was able to taste (I‰۪m not sure if they produced their other two cuvees or not), the 2011 Vacqueyras G (50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah aged in 1-3-year-old barrels) is a fruit loaded, medium to full-bodied effort that has fresh, lively aromatics (plum, violets, underbrush and spice), juicy acidity and quality tannin. It‰۪s a rock star in the vintage and should drink nicely through 2021. Covering 45 acres in Vacqueyras, Domaine le Colombier produces four cuvees; a classic white; a traditional, concrete tank-aged blend of 70% Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre; an old vine Cuvee Vieilles Vignes which is aged all in concrete tank; and a Cuvee "G" which is equal parts Grenache and Syrah, aged all in barrel. (JD)