A limited cuvee of 100% Syrah aged in small barrel from old vines planted in 1956, the 500 cases of 2004 Vin de Pays “Avec Des Si...” is superb. Yields were only 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine exhibits a dense purple color, sweet floral and creme de cassis notes with hints of blackberry, melted licorice, and pepper. The wine is ripe, lush, heady, and best drunk over the next 5-7 years. One of the best estates in this up-and-coming region, known for high quality and fair prices, is Chateau Mas Neuf. It is a large estate with proprietor Luc Baudet owning 150+ acres of vineyard. The quality of these wines is consistently good and the prices reasonable. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

A ripe, extracted style, showing dark plum and dark cherry flavors, with intense overtones of smoke and meat. Syrah. Drink now. 500 cases made. -KM