Still sporting a youthful ruby color, with no bricking or amber at all, the 2003 Ventoux la Quintessence is fully mature and offers layered, perfumed notes of sweet kirsch, dried spice, herbes de Provence and hints of olives. Medium to full-bodied, silky, nicely concentrated and textured, with the sunny, pleasure bent style of the vintage, it's a beautiful wine to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years.

The brilliant 2003 Cotes du Ventoux La Quintessence (80% Syrah and 20% Grenache) was aged entirely in wood. This 5,000-case cuvee represents one of the best buys in southern France. A deep ruby/purple color is followed by a classic bouquet of blackberry liqueur, new saddle leather, melted licorice, pepper, and a whiff of white flowers. Medium to full-bodied, opulent, and voluptuous, with superb purity, loads of flavor, and no hard edges, this is a seamless, sexy red to enjoy during its first 5-7 years of life.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars