A great value from Lafond (who also makes a terrific Tavel rose) is the 2001 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Lirac. This junior Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with a sumptuous bouquet of jammy black fruits intermixed with licorice, spice box, herbs, and pepper. Enjoy this lush, fruit-driven 2001 over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173