Aromas of white peach, pear, lime, kumquat, white pepper, honey, and lavender in their 2007 Rousanne (reviewed already in issue 178, along with the estate’s outstanding 2007 rose) lead to a dense, subtly creamy and oily, yet juicy, refreshing palate featuring salt and pepper-dusted melon, pear skin, and citrus. This really fans out in the finish, with herbal and floral notes re-emerging. Having had a chance to taste a few older bottlings last December, I am now confident in saying that if you can keep your hands off of a few bottles of this for 2-3 years you will be rewarded with a different sort of pleasure. In Europe, this bottling – which, incidentally, includes a dollop of Viognier – is labeled “Rouviere.” Bernard Durand and Regis Valentin continue to render distinctively delicious wines that offer outstanding value of a sort not always to be found in the increasingly renowned Pic Saint-Loup sub-appellation.Imported by Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, VA; tel. (540) 347 9400