The 2001 Rasteau Fleur de Confiance exhibits spicy new oak intermixed with hints of creosote, black currant liqueur, melted licorice, and blackberries. This enormously endowed, full throttle beauty is pure and textured. It needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-15 years. While a bit less sumptuous than the blockbuster 2000 Fleur de Confiance, the 2001 may resemble the 1999 in its structure and tannic ferocity backed up by equally impressive levels of concentration. Well worth a visit, Domaine La Soumade has moved into new, stylish cellars on a lower ridge below the old town of Rasteau. In 2002, the famed Bordeaux winemaking guru, Stephane Derenoncourt, was brought in as a consultant. Great news, although it’s hard to believe Andre Romero can improve on what he’s doing. Readers should not forget that this is one cellar where the 2002s were among the finest wines I tasted. While there will be no Fleur de Confiance, the Cuvee Confiance is one of the few 2002 southern Rhones that might merit a score in the upper eighties after bottling - a major achievement. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565