3 | Wine | Rhone | Page 4

"Rich, velvety spices and fruit on the nose. Forceful and full mouth but with a crisp freshness. Pair with roasted game or spicy Indian or Thai dishes."

"The reasonably priced 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape is a slightly downsized version of the Secrets de Pignan. There is more Syrah in the blend and perhaps that is the reason for its spectrum of darker fruits than the Pignan. There is a lot to like here with copious floral notes intermixed with black currant and black cherry fruit as well as hints of sandy soils and balsam wood. Full, rich and very natural tasting, this beauty can be drunk now and over the next decade."

"The 2011 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche exhibits classic framboise notes, a light, vibrant, florescent pink color, excellent texture and a dry finish." -Robert Parker

"A mouthfilling core of plum sauce and blackberry paste is backed by charcoal and anise on the finish. Solid, direct, pure and driven."

"Another winner is the 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu. Fashioned from 45-65 year old vines, this unfiltered blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre is a killer value. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as stunning aromas of kirsch liqueur, licorice, camphor, tobacco leaf and underbrush. Spicy, peppery and loaded with fruit, this medium to full-bodied red is another crowd-pleasing, classic example of Provencal viticulture that should age nicely for 4-5 years."-Robert Parker

"Yellow gold, clear and brilliant. Freshness marked by the distinctive aromas of Viognier; white flowers, apricot, acacia and white peach. Fruity with plenty of richness and body. A well-rounded wine with elegance, strength and balance."

"Dark purple. Ripe cherry and dark berry aromas are complemented and lifted by peppery spice and floral notes. Black and blue fruits on the palate, which shows a supple, seamless texture and very good energy. Finishes sweet and long, with resonating spiciness and harmonious tannins."