The 1995 red wines had just been assembled before my tasting, but were not yet bottled. The 1995 Cotes du Ventoux Le Mont offers soft, ripe, red fruit, an elegant, less concentrated and muscular style than the 1994, good spice, and a clean, fresh, vibrant, tart finish. It should drink well for 3-4 years. This wine is an excellent value.This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel. (802) 875-2139

La Vieille Ferme's 1994 Cotes du Ventoux Le Mont is a 60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and 20% Cinsault blend. This excellent bargain reveals a deep ruby color, a ripe, peppery, black-cherry-scented nose, medium to full body, a silky, lush texture, surprising depth for its low price, and a smooth finish. This wine is an excellent value.This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel. (802) 875-2139

The 1992 Cotes du Ventoux-La Mont is a knock-out bargain. It exhibits a saturated dark ruby color, a big, sweet nose of jammy cassis fruit and spices, with a touch of pepper and herbs in the background, medium body, lush, juicy flavors, and an excellent finish. It is a mouthfilling, generous, smooth as silk dry red wine for drinking over the next 2-3 years. La Vieille Ferme's wines have become popular in the United States, and justifiably so. Of late, the firm's finest efforts were from the 1989 and 1990 vintages. The disappointing 1991s followed (most of the production was sold in Europe). The current releases include reassuringly fine 1993 whites and 1992 reds.Importer: Vineyard Brands, Chester, VT; tel. (802) 875-2139.