More modern-styled, the 2012 Vacqueyras 1717 is a partially destemmed blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that’s all from vines over 50 years in age. Aged in new barrels for 20-26 months, it needs time to integrate its wood component, yet offers superb aromas and flavors of sweet cassis, raspberry, spice-box, licorice and hints of herbs. Medium to full-bodied, rich and layered on the palate, it has great fruit, solid mid-palate richness and an impressive finish. Give it a year or two and drink it through 2022. This large estate produces a bevy of rich, fruit-forward efforts that remain more than reasonably priced. Looking at the 2011s, this is a solid vintage here and the wines make the most of the vintage, with upfront fruit and texture. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC; tel. (919) 781-1655