Robert Parker, Jr.:   Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character. "The 2009 Vacqueyras Seigneur de Lauris (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah aged 6 months in foudre and one-third new oak) reveals more structure as one might expect from the smaller barrels. It offers a deep purple color, lots of black currant, black cherry, licorice and spice box notes, full body, and a fleshy style. It is another typical 2009 Vacqueyras ... big, dense, tannic and massive. Drink it over the next 7-8 years." Oct 2010

Winery:  "Our winemaking is the subject of  careful selection and care. Only after long aging in oak casks and then bottling in our gallery of aging, will you enjoy all its complexity. From a deep and intense garnet, it will envelop you with its powerful and sophisticated bouquet of fruit and notes of spices, roasting and undergrowth. On the palate, full bodied and heady, the length of the aftertaste and softness will seduce you.  A great wine to drink ... now, or forget in the cellar, to capture the richness of its potential."

Wired For Wine:  Just released, this Robert Arnoux Vacqueyras Siegneur de Lauris boasts dark fruit laced with a natural Rhône spiciness that's guaranteed to charm you with its generous structure.  They're making a big fuss over what's being called the "superb" 2009 Rhône vintage, so our suggestion is that you make the most of the stunning quality/price ratio from this appellation.  Stock up winelovers!  Pour your first glasses of this deep purple elixir and offer it with a twist on a classic French favorite: a bite of Niçoise - a spoonful of Niçoise salad nestled in a butter lettuce leaf.  Bonjour délicieux!  The gorgeous fruit, lovely spice and dense full body of this Seigneur de Lauris will pair with many meats from charcuterie to beef.  What are you hungry for?  We love to bring out the black fruit in this Arnoux red while savoring crisp-roasted chicken served with tomatoes and prunes.  The drizzle of balsamico in the tomatoes and prunes kicks it up a notch and makes it a perfect pairing.  The winery recommends rabbit with this formidable Vacqueyras, so we say try braised rabbit with green olives.  If it's stormy outside like it is here, this is exactly what we would want cooking all afternoon.  And finally, a sure winner of a choice will always be your favorite steak grilled to perfection, dressed au poivre.  Les épices du Rhône vous remercie.  No one will want it to end there, so bring out a smooth, gently tangy Port Salut cheese and fill those glasses once again.  À votre santé, winelovers!

Bottle:  750ml, cork
Varietal:  70 % Grenache, 30 % Syrah (Côtes du Rhône)
Alcohol:  14.0%
Ageing:  6 months in foudre and one-third new oak
Region:  Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, France