2016 Domaine Le Couroulu, Vacqueyras, Southern Rhone, France

About as traditional as it gets, the 2016 Vacqueyras Cuvee Classique is indeed a classic. Aged in old foudres, not overly ripe or rich, it's a throwback to how Vacqueyras used to taste before modern notions of ripeness and small barrels invaded the region, with notes of leather, garrigue and red berries on the nose, a medium-bodied palate lined by silky tannins and a lingering, smooth finish with just a touch of roasted meat.