2007 Maison Arnoux & Fils Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher

In 2007, the highlights include the delicious, fruit-driven, tasty 2007 Vacqueyras Vieux Clocher, which exhibits plenty of kirsch, Provencal herbs, and pepper. It should drink well for 3-4 years. All these 2007s merit serious attention. Moreover, at the domaine, they are priced as low as 8-9 euros per bottle. This large, exclusively Vacqueyras domaine has 100 acres spread throughout the appellation. Perhaps they produce too many cuvees, but there is unquestionably a lot of good wine to be found from Maison Arnoux et Fils. The wines differ slightly in both blends and upbringings, with the most traditional cuvees, such as Vieux Clocher, Arnoux et Fils, Jean-Marie Arnoux, and Chapelle St.-Arnoux, undergoing typical upbringings of only tank or ancient foudres (no new oak). The Seigneur de Lauris is aged in a combination of foudres and small barrels. The 1717 sees 100% new oak barrels, and the Vieilles Vignes is kept in both small and large oak barrels. Importers: Grape Expectations, California; and Wine Without Borders