The dense ruby/purple-tinged 2005 Cuvee Confiance Rasteau is brutally tannic, extracted, and muscular, but pure. Loads of black fruits intermixed with espresso, scorched earth, fig, and new saddle leather characteristics are found in this tough-textured effort. However, everything is there, and I do not believe the tannin is excessive for the enormous depth the wine possesses. Five to six years of bottle age is required, and this cuvee should keep 15 or more years. Although the irrepressible Andre Romero hardly needed help from Bordeaux, he has brought in Stephane Derenoncourt, the well-known wine guru of St.-Emilion and Pomerol as a consultant. Romero has purchased some parcels in both Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, but his glories remain his offerings from the ancient, sun-drenched/roasted, old Grenache vines of Rasteau. Romero is one of the region’s more modern winemakers, aging his top cuvees in small oak barrels. However, these wines easily absorb their wood component given their tremendous concentration and power. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565