I loved both of these 2006s from proprietor Jean-Paul Versino. Starting with the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape, this classic beauty has tons of garrigue, currants, licorice and Provencal herbs in a medium-bodied, old school, complex and layered style. I’d be thrilled if I had a case in the cellar.

The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape is an outstanding blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvedre, and 5% the other red grapes of the appellation. With rich, attractive, earthy notes, and plenty of floral and spice box characteristics interwoven with dark, ripe red and black fruits, lavender, and oodles of Provencal typicity, it is full-bodied, fleshy, and already gorgeous to drink, but promises to evolve for at least a decade or more. The Versino brothers have produced three cuvees in 2007. 2006 is a very strong vintage for Bois de Boursan.Importer: J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 772-3695, Arbor Way Imports, Boston, MA; tel. (71) 863-1753; and Louis/Dressner, New York, NY; tel. (212) 334-8191