Robert Parker, Jr., Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "The 2007 Vacqueyras Chapelle-St-Arnoux is a super, unfiltered effort.  Its blend is somewhat different, with the Grenache dominating (70%), but 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre, all from 50-year or older vines included. This stunning wine exhibits a dense purple color along with abundant quantities of blackberry fruit, pepper, bouquet garni, spice box, and meaty notes. Full-bodied and opulent, it is a superior Vacqueyras from a great vintage. All the 2007s merit serious attention. 

2007 is a terrific vintage in Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and for many of the Côtes du Rhône estates. Given the global economic crises, these wines, which have never been prized for speculative value, represent fabulous bargains for shrewd consumers looking for delicious wines to drink today or, in the best cases, age for a decade or more."  Feb 2009

Winery:  "We are established at the heart of these exceptional lands since 1717. For almost 3 centuries we have been making and maturing wines in our caves which are dug into the old walls of the town. We continue to work in the great tradition of our ancestors.  In 1717, the Count Francois de Castellanne, de Lauris, de Vassadel, de Gérard, Chevalier Marquis d'Ampuis, de Lagneroux, universal landlord of the place called Vacqueyras and its lands, donated a parcel of vines to an ancestor of the Arnoux family: Pierre Bovis. From that day onwards, the tradition of the vine and wine has been continued in our family."

Wired For Wine:  This Chapelle-St-Arnoux Vacqueyras shows off a classic example of the rich blackberry fruit and pepper of the Grenache grape.  Its characteristic sweet fruit is ever so slightly less so due to the Syrah in the blend.  The resulting combination is a beautifully full-bodied red which is fantastic with grilled lamb, red meat and barbecue in particular, and with pork, sausage and veal as well.  For a crowd, have your butcher butterfly a leg of lamb, and then slather it with a paste of olive oil, sea salt, pressed garlic and chopped fresh rosemary.  Let that sit at room temperature for a good 45 minutes and then grill it to medium rare.  Not serving a crowd?  Do the same for rib lamb chops, and let them sit for 30 minutes.  The meaty notes in this wine will go spectacularly with the lamb and its peppery side is made for your favorite grilled steak au poivre.  Délicieux.  A nod to its French ancestry and the herbal notes in this Vacqueyras would be a long-simmered cassoulet with pork and sausage.  Now that will keep you warm on a cold winter's night!  While you consider the options, slice some crusty fresh bread, pour a glass of the Chapelle-St-Arnoux and serve it with a sinfully delicious pate of foie gras.  The opulence of this wine will be the perfect match.  La vie est courte mes amis; boire du vin!

Size:  750ml
Varietal:  70% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
Alcohol:  14.5%
Region: Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, France