An utterly sensational wine from Ventoux that I hope readers have in the cellar is the 2007 Ventoux la Quintessence. While it's mostly Syrah, I'd guess it was Grenache in a blind tasting given its perfumed bouquet of incense, black raspberries, flowers, lavender and spice. Full-bodied, sexy, layered and still concentrated, it's a heavenly drink today, but easily has another 4-6+ years of longevity (although don't wait, drink!).

The late-released 2007 Quintessence (Pesquie’s top cuvee) is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache aged 12 months in oak (40% new), and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Its dense opaque ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of blackberries, blueberries, charcoal, and acacia flowers. Dense, thick, unctuously textured, exuberant, and ostentatious, this terrific wine can be enjoyed over the next 3-5 years.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565; fax (704) 358-1797