A new release however is their K8. To the fruit of centenarian Carignan vines on which this cuvee is always based has been added a little old vines Cinsault, which does nothing to lift its official status above that of Vin de Table, but offers a prime display of varietal synergy while surpassing the quality of its predecessors in this numbered “K” series. A nose of kirsch distillate and fresh blackberries leads to a juicy, silken-textured palate where marzipan, vanilla, cherry pit, rosemary and mint join in. Here is a wonderful example of how to achieve formidable ripeness of flavor without superficial sweetness and a liqueur-like richness of texture while preserving fluidity, verve, and sheer refreshment. The exhilarating finish harbors distinctly, if ineffably, mineral traces as well. Enjoy this terrific value (priced as it is solely on account of the stupidity of appellation laws!) over the next 2-3 years. As my reviews of the numerous wines of Claude and Isabel Fonquerle that are legally only vins de table were confined to the on-line version of issue 183, I have taken the liberty of re-publishing in this issue the reviews of two of those that retail for under $25, and are among the finest values today in southern French wines.Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800