More serious and layered, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d’Argile is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Carignan, Mourvedre, Syrah and Grenache, with the Grenache aged in foudre and everything else in 1-to-5-year-old barrels. Rock solid, with notes of spice-laced black and red fruits, licorice and background meatiness, this full-bodied beauty has a rich, textured mouthfeel, good freshness and loads of depth. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Drink now-2018. Located in the town of Courthezon, and covering 38 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape and 100 acres in Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de la Janasse is run by the brother/sister pair, Christophe and Isabelle Sabon. While 2011 was a difficult vintage throughout the region, you wouldn’t know it by tasting here. These wines are superb across the board and should not be missed. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565