2021 Vacqueyras 'Cuvée des Templiers', Domaine Le Clos des Cazaux

Jean-Michel's grandfather was one of the first to plant syrah in Vacqueyras in the 1960s, and there is definitely a bit more syrah character here than we normally expect in Vacqueyas with the dark, spicy, black-olive richness it brings enhancing the bright blackberry and dark cherry fruit which jumps from the glass. A very drinkable, showy Vacqueyras, plump and generous of texture with ripe tannins. Drink now, says Jean-Michel, if you like fruit but will also develop very nicely over five years.