91 Points from Jeb Dunnuck
More rounded and fleshy than the 2017, yet also tannic, the 2018 Vacqueyras has classic notes of red and black fruits, garrigue, and pepper. Based on 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault and Mourvèdre, brought up all in tank, it’s going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age yet keep for upwards of a decade.
 
Winemaker Notes
A worthy comparison between the Vacqueyras and Cuvée Romaine can be made. Whereas the Romaine trades on a fruitier, more easy-going structure, the Vacqueyras is altogether different. Seeing an additional 6 months in tank it possesses a notable meaty quality with firmer tannins and a seriously dense core of black fruit and iron.
 
Food Pairings
Should you find yourself with a fairly large piece of beef or lamb on your hands you’d be hard–pressed for a more suitable assistant at the table.