The 1998 Cotes du Rhone possesses weight, texture, fat, as well as jammy red and black fruits and spice. This wine is an exceptional bargain.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

This wine is a soft, forward, open-knit, low acid wine with good ripeness, but a touch of dilution. This wine is an easy-going, forward, bistro-styled red to drink over the next 3-5 years.Probably the leading estate in Gigondas, Yves Gras's Santa Duc continues to turn out some of the most complete, concentrated, and potentially complex wines of the southern Rhone. In the two difficult vintages of 1996 and 1997, the wines are solidly made, with the 1996 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues Cuvee Prestige stunning. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

One of the super-stars of Gigondas, Santa Duc has turned out a sumptuous, rich, spicy, medium to full-bodied Cotes du Rhone that is available for a song. Yves Gras' 1995 Cotes du Rhone boasts a dark ruby/purple color, as well as a knock-out nose of black pepper, kirsch, roasted peanuts, and chocolate. Dense and medium to full-bodied, with no hard edges, this is a supple-textured, delicious, mouthfilling Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 4-5 years. With a steak grilled over a wood fire and some ratatouille, this wine will be mouthwatering. An excellent value.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

The 1994s are softer than the 1995s, very flattering, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. The 1994 Cotes du Rhone exhibits a dark ruby color, a spicy, peppery, black-cherry-scented bouquet, medium body, and a round, soft, easy-going personality. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083