Bottled in July 2017, the 2016 Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu Cuvee des Galets was already looking outstanding when I tried it in late August. This blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre gives off scents of sun-warmed stones and blackberries, yet it remains fresh and vibrant, with great intensity but with silky, almost elegant tannins.

The 2015 C?tes du Rh?ne Villages Plan de Dieu Cuvee des Galets (60% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) is a forward, sexy red that gives up lots of black and blue fruits, peppery herbs and a touch of minerality in its medium to full-bodied, ripe, sweet and downright charming profile.

The 2013 Cotes du Rhone Villages les Galets Plan de Dieu is a smoking blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that makes the most of the vintage. Offering up plenty of ripe black cherries, blackberry and plum intermixed with crushed flower, licorice and spice, this medium to full-bodied 2013 has solid depth of fruit and a surprising amount of texture. Completely destemmed and brought up all in concrete, it will drink nicely on release and over the following 3-5 years.

Starting out, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Villages Plan de Dieu Cuvee Des Galets is a classic blend of 60% Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre, that’s aged all in tank. It’s a beautiful effort that gives up complex, lively aromas and flavors (dark fruit, pepper and flowers), medium-bodied richness, good acidity and sweet tannin. Balanced and already approachable, it should drink nicely on release and over the following 4-5 years. One of the leading southern Rhone estates for value is the Domaine Les Aphillanthes, which is run by Helene and Daniel Boulle. While no 2011s were presented, their 2012s look to be superb across the board. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0700

The 2011 Cuvee des Galets Plan de Dieu (translated, “The Plan of God”) is composed of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that come from an ocean of vines that can be seen when leaving the Autoroute du Soleil and heading in the direction of Vacqueyras or Gigondas. It’s a sight to behold, and if you love Grenache, there is plenty of it here. This wine exhibits classic notes of kirsch liqueur, pepper, loamy soil, tobacco leaf and spice. Medium-bodied, richly fruity and well-made, it is ideal for drinking over the next several years. Along with Peter Weygandt, I coincidentally discovered this fine estate with the release of their 1999s. Proprietor Daniel Boulle has done brilliant work over the last decade plus, and now works with the talented Philippe Cambie as his oenologist. The wines continue to go from strength to strength, including these less expensive offerings. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Domaine Les Aphillanthes, it’s time to do so. Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, Pennsylvania at 610-486-0700 and fax 610-486-6452; www.weygandtmetzler.com