Château des Roques Cuvée du Château Vacqueyras 2013

(aged for nine months in a combination of stainless steel tanks and used barrels): Ruby-red. Intense, sharply focused red currant, cherry pit and floral scents are complemented by deeper suggestions of licorice and musky rhubarb. Stains the palate with black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that become weightier and sweeter with air. Smoothly combines power and vivacity, finishing chewy and long; fine-grained tannins add grip. Drinking window: 2018-2023. Score - 91. (Josh Raynolds, vinous.com, April 2016)