A potential stunner is the 2004 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes, a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. This wine possesses a deep ruby/purple color and a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, cherries, licorice, scorched earth, and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, spicy, and intense, this is a potentially outstanding wine that should drink well for at least a decade. Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Like all of the T-L wines, there’s a heavy overlay of oak—in this case a strong dusting of cinnamon—but there are also signs of good fruit underneath. It’s creamy and supple, with raspberry accents to the oaky spice. Drink now–2012.——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 88