"The 2007 Lirac La Ferme Romaine is slightly more structured, but it exhibits plenty of pepper, garrigue, and black fruit notes, more tannin than the Roc-Epine, and perhaps less exuberant fruit. Nevertheless, it is concentrated, full-bodied, and capable of lasting (more...)

"The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages is a classic Grenache-based wine offering notes of garrigue, cassis, cherries, licorice, and pepper. Round, lush, and opulent, it is ideal for drinking over the next 2-3 years."

"The 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Cros de Romet is a top-notch effort from a vintage that is likely to be forever overshadowed by the greatness of the 2007s. Nevertheless, the top 2006s are noteworthy wines. This effort possesses a deep plum/ruby color, pl (more...)

"The red wine portfolio includes a sleeper of the vintage, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche, a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. The finest Cotes du Rhone Chapoutier has yet made, it rivals Guigal’s offering as one of the best negociant Cotes du Rhones produ (more...)

"If you think Perrin Reserve or Guigal Cotes du Rhone are good buys, we will make you change your mind forever with this $7 stunner! Ripe and delicious, with great floral qualities and harmonious red and purple fruits. Great acidity keeps this fresh and lively and (more...)

"I guess we can’t expect the 2008 Cuvee Romaine to be as brilliant as the 2007 (a sure-fire winner should any readers be able to find remaining stocks), but this custom cuvee from importer Eric Solomon is from a good rather than exceptional vintage. Actually decl (more...)

"Just as brilliant as their Chateauneuf du Pape, Graveirette-s 2007 Cotes du Rhone is also a sleeper of the vintage. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with an explosive bouquet of raspberries, blueberries, boysenberries, incense, and lavender, a lovely textu (more...)

"This reliable Chateauneuf du Pape producer has also fashioned two very fine cuvees of Cotes du Rhone. Both are admirable efforts displaying loads of red and black fruit, spice box, earth, and pepper notes. Sexy and seductive, they deliver all that wines from this (more...)

"The 2004 Cuvee Confiance Rasteau reveals a big, rich style with plenty of chocolate, barbecue spice, black cherry liqueur, herb, and earth characteristics. Medium to full-bodied and powerful, but soft enough to be approached, it should evolve nicely for 10-12 year (more...)

"Still a work in progress is the Armenier family's newest purchase in Lirac, the 2006 Domaine La Lorentine. This cuvee still reveals some hard tannins (because of the Carignan), but the fruit is coming on, and the 2006 exhibits a deeper, richer, more savory charact (more...)

"Has good structure, with tar and currant paste notes backed by game, roasted plum and spice cake flavors. There's solid grip on the finish, with a nice iron note in the background. Drink now through 2011. 250 cases made."

LAST BOTTLE RACK SELECTI (more...)