Chateau de Bord 2010 年的 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudun La Croix de Fregere ，可以媲美表現(xiàn)出眾的 2009 年份的同款酒，兩相比較，此款酒品質(zhì)更佳，也更為爽脆。該酒呈深紅寶石/紫色，散發(fā)著濃郁的甘草、新鞍皮、灌木叢、黑色櫻桃及黑醋栗的香味，此款酒體豐滿的佳釀宜在未來(lái) 7-8 年內(nèi)飲用。

The outstanding 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudun Chateau de Bord La Croix de Fregere is a big time sleeper of the vintage. Dominated by Grenache, it has gotten better and better under the supervision of the brilliant Philippe Cambie. It boasts a deep ruby/purple color along with sweet black raspberry and black cherry fruit notes intertwined with hints of crushed rocks and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied, pure and dense, it should drink nicely for 5-6 years. (Not yet released)The Brotte family was among one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Papes in the early 1930s. Over recent years, under the guidance of Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, quality has improved dramatically. Additionally, they have brought in the renowned consultant, Philippe Cambie. Brotte is still best known for their non-vintage, solera blend of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole, which is a huge commercial success. The quality is very good in spite of the phoney dust or the twisted and bent bottle. All of the wines I recently tasted with Laurent Brotte are classy, well-made, high quality efforts. Brotte seems to go largely unnoticed in the American market, but that should change based on what they have been accomplishing over recent vintages.Various American importers based on the state in which you live: www.brotte.com

Another strong effort is the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudun Chateau de Bord La Croix de Fregere. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, it has an elegant, almost Burgundian style with notes of forest floor, herbs, sweet cherries, and plums. Round and fresh with light tannin as well as a very good finish, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years. (Not yet released)In top vintages such as 2007, three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape are produced, all of which performed even better from bottle than they did last year.Various American importers: www.brotte.com

More noteworthy is the estate 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudun Chateau de Bord La Croix de Fregere. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from the under-the-radar village of Laudun, it possesses beautiful blackberry and raspberry fruit, deep, concentrated flavors, excellent purity, sweet tannin, and fresh acidity. This negociant firm has become increasingly reliable for a bevy of southern Rhone wines, including these Chateauneuf du Papes and Cotes du Rhones.Various American importers; www.brotte.com