The Domaine Santa Duc offerings include the excellent, possibly outstanding Cotes du Rhone Les Quatres Terres. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2004 exhibits a big, sweet nose of black fruits, kirsch, licorice, and dusty, peppery, loamy soil notes. Deep, full-bodied, rich, and impressively endowed, this outstanding Cotes du Rhone is a selection from four separate Southern Rhone sectors, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, and Roaix. This well-made wine should drink well for 5-6 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Rich and a little alcoholic (15.5%), but not overly heavy or hot. Comes off as rather easy to drink for a wine of this size, with supple tannins and ripe blackberry flavors. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 88