The 2016 Vacqueyras les Genets shows solid potential. A tank-aged blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, it's full-bodied, taut and firm, with fine aromas and flavors of garrigue, ripe cherries and stone fruit. It just needs some additional time to loosen up a little.

Welcoming scents of sun-warmed black cherries emerge on the nose of the 2015 Vacqueyras les Genets. That ripe fruit carries over onto the palate, where this medium to full-bodied wine shows off supple tannins, an almost creamy texture and just hints of black olive and mocha. Already very drinkable, it should be at its best over the next 5-8 years.

The deep ruby/purple colored 2014 Vacqueyras les Genêts offers impressive richness and concentration, with lots of blackberry, plum, scorched earth and even a hint of graphite on the nose. Firm and structured on the palate, I would have loved a touch more breadth and expansiveness, but I’m optimistic it will open up with a year or two of bottle age.

Looking at the two Vacqueyras releases, the 2013 Vacqueyras les Genets is beautiful, with lots of olive and meat characteristics in its raspberry, licorice, Provencal herbs and spice aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, balanced, with plenty of fruit and an excellent finish, drink it over the coming 4-6 years.

The 2010 Vacqueyras Les Genets (80% Grenache) exhibits classic southern Rhone notes of garrigue, kirsch, pepper, earth and licorice. With lots of glycerin, alcohol and fruit, this flamboyant Vacqueyras should drink nicely for a decade. This outstanding firm has done a top rank job under the ownership of the Roederer champagne firm and the general administration of Jacques Granges. They continue to upgrade their southern Rhone selections, which were their weakest link when I first started tasting here over a decade ago. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000