Other bottled wines include the crisp 2010 Cotes du Rhone Les Brottiers Blanc, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Roussanne. Aromas of orange peel, white currants and quince are followed by a wine with good freshness, fat and texture. Drink this zesty, dry white over the next year. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

This full-bodied white boasts layers of mouthfilling pears, melons and dried spices, and it finishes long. With its richness it would be a fine accompaniment to cream-sauced fish or chicken dishes.——J.C.(2/1/2005)—— 89