In 1920, the Mourre family left France and moved to Algeria in North Africa, where they produced wine for 42 years. Upon their return, they purchased the Domaine Le Colombier.   Jean Louis was immediately enrolled on the estate after his studies in geology, making his lifelong dream of producing fine wine come true. His knowledge is unlimited and fascinating.    The Domaine Le Colombier produces around 7,000 cases of wine per year, with planting of old Grenache vines, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan.

Looking first at the base 2020 Vacqueyras Tradition, this blend of 70 % Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre has a juicy, balanced, medium-bodied style as well as outstanding notes of blacker fruits, peppery herbs, and underbrush.It'sclean and balanced , with terrificpurity of fruit and a great finish .

The 2020 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes is also tarrific, with more red and black fruits as welll as Provencal garrigue and floral nuances. It too is medium-bodied, juicy, lively , and elegant.I don't find a huge difference betweenthe tradition and the old vine cuvées, and both are terrific wines.

The only 2019 presented, the 2019 Vacqueyras Cuvée G is equal parts Grenache and Syrah, I'd put it up with the top handful of wines in the appellation. Its deep ruby/purple hue is followed by a monster ,oe of jammy blackberries, pepper, orange blossom, and candied strawberries. It pushes on the ripeness level but avoids going over the top, offering full-bodied richness, lots of fruit, ripe, well-balanced tannins. It's certainly the biggest, richest wine in the lineup and should be enjoyed over the coming 7-8 years.