Year in and year out, the finest offering from Rostaing is his limited production (usually 4,000+ bottles) Cote Rotie Cote Blonde (which often includes 3-4% Viognier in the blend). The 1997 exhibits a dark ruby color, followed by a sexy apricot, blackberry, raspberry, bacon fat, and toasty nose, and luscious, medium to full-bodied, open-knit flavors that caress the palate with glycerin and fruit. The wine's low acidity, fleshy texture, and forward, evolved style are appealing. It should drink well for 8-10 years after its release. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524