Readers looking for an absolutely fabulous value should check out the 2005 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine, a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah. This is all that a Cotes du Rhone should be, and it is essentially declassified Vacqueyras, but better than many of the wines of Vacqueyras. Full-bodied, rich, with explosive levels of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and Provencal herbs, this wine is luscious, heady, and best drunk over the next 3-4 years. Readers should note that these cuvees are selected by the American importer, Eric Solomon, and are bottled earlier than those sold elsewhere in the world. Owned by the Bernard family, this is one of the largest (nearly 145 acres) and finest estates in Vacqueyras, so it is not surprising that both the 2006 and 2007 vintages performed well.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565