A huge step up is the opaque purple-colored 2006 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes. This must be at least 80-85% Grenache and exhibits the dense purple color, chewy, sweet floral fruit of old vine Grenache, with wonderful texture and an almost inky richness as well as tremendous intensity and length. If this wine were from Chateauneuf du Pape, it would probably sell for two or three times the price. It is a brilliant wine that probably won’t hit its peak for another 2-3 years and last for 15 or more. An estate of 50 acres in Rasteau that merits serious attention, recent vintages have all been stunning, and a lot of that is due to the brilliant work of well-known Southern Rhone consultant Philippe Cambie. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

Chunky, with black cherry and jelly notes, dense. Forward oak influence, but generous, with good balance.