1 | Wine | Red Rhone Blend, Unrated, 2009

"A lush, flattering style, offering crushed plum, blueberry and raspberry fruit woven nicely with melted licorice snap and smoky tea notes, followed by a creamy finish."

"Always one of Lesec’s finest wines. ...and this particular cuvee, which is largely Grenache blended with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvedre, is aged in tank (70%) and one to two-year-old Burgundy barrels (30%). It exhibits a deep ruby/purple color as well as classic Provencal notes of licorice, garrigue, black currant and kirsch. Broad, savory, multilayered and full-bodied, this impressive selection should drink well for 10-15 years." Reviewed by Robert Parker.

"An admirable garnet-red robe, intense and bright. Straightforward and pleasant nose marked by red fruits (blueberries), with light notes of thyme and pine nuts. Its elegance and power are in perfect balance."

"The nose opened up to a scrubby and resinous amalgam of juniper, marjoram, and rosemary, along with concentrated black fruits and hints of tar. This firm but expansive cuvee (as usual, of Grenache with ca. 25-30% Carignan) displays practically adhesive finishing character, sticky but not in the sense of sweetness. Fine tannins add to the impression of formidable density in a wine that almost seems to be struggling to come to terms with its sheer concentration. I don't find the juiciness let alone the energy displayed by the corresponding Orchis (from higher elevation, in the so-called Coume du Roi). Although bottling was due to take place as usual without filtration, Tribouley had elected to postpone it at least through spring, so that the wine might passively shed some of its reduction to become more expressive." 90-91+ pts.

"The dark plum/ruby/garnet-hued 2009 Vacqueyras exhibits the vintage’s sexy, soft tannins, high glycerin, rich fruit and velvety personality. With an evolved nose of cedar, loamy soil, forest floor and red and black fruit notes, this deep, rich, full-bodied, charming effort can be drunk over the next 5-6 years."