The soft, fruity, Provencal-styled 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Laudun and 2009 Cotes du Rhone should be consumed over the next 1-2 years. Importers: David Bowler Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 807-1680; and Vineyard Research, Lunenberg, MA; tel (978) 582-7215

What puts this wine above ordinary is its bouquet. Sure, it has solid cherry fruit, tinged with leather and spice, but it also has a charming perfumy, almost floral aspect to its cherry aromas. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 86

This dark garnet-colored wine, which is dominated by Syrah, is a tasty wine with peppery, herb, olive, tar-like, berry fruit. It has a northern Rhone feel and texture, despite the fact it is from the south. Its structure and cool climate characteristics suggest it should drink nicely for 2-3 years. Importer: Vineyard Expressions, Ithaca, NY; tel. (607) 272-0231