The sandy soils around Sablet give the 2019 Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet an extra dose of florals on the nose, married seamlessly to black cherries and blueberries. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, all aged just a short time in concrete, it delivers a full-bodied wine that remains airy and silky in texture, ending long, on elegant notes of black tea, rose petals, cocoa and dark fruit.

Floral notes accent fresh mixed berries in the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet. It's medium to full-bodied but with silky tannins and subtle notes of dried spices on the lingering finish.

A super effort (and undoubtedly a super bargain to boot), the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages Sablet from Domaine des Pasquiers is everything you want a C?tes du Rh?ne to be. It seamlessly marries subtle notes of garrigue with ripe cherries on the nose; it's full-bodied and creamy-textured on the palate; and it ends long with silky tannins and plenty of freshness. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

A step up over the Plan de Dieu, the 2013 C?tes du Rh?ne Village Sablet is an excellent blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that’s all from sandy soils, was completely destemmed, and spent 18 months in cement tanks. It offers classic notes of Provencal garrigue, saddle leather and ripe black cherries to go with a medium-bodied, fruit forward, yet fresh and lively style on the palate. It does exactly what a value-priced southern Rhone should do: provide lots of character and make you want to pour another glass. It should drink nicely for 3-4 years.

A hidden gem, the 2012 C?tes du Rh?ne Villages Sablet offers up terrific notes of dark cherries, currants, tobacco leaf and damp earth. Medium-bodied, balanced and classic in style, it’s smoking Sablet to drink over the coming 4-6 years.