The top of the line cuvee, the 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Fleur de Confiance, represents Rasteau at its finest. It boasts an opaque purple color along with a fabulous perfume of blackberries, coffee, chocolate, and sweet cherries. A superb texture, huge, full-bodied mouthfeel, and remarkable depth and length characterize this outstanding effort. Anticipated maturity: now-2022. Andre Romero continues to turn out an impressive portfolio of wines. Several of his vin de pays fly under most consumer’s radar as one does not generally associate Bordeaux varietals with the southern Rhone. 2006 was a very good vintage for Romero, a notoriously late harvester. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.

This luxury cuvee was aged in 600-liter demimuids, which proprietor Andre Romero believes impart just the right amount of oak influence. The 2006 is not as richly concentrated as the 2005, but may turn out to be better balanced, with its creamy texture building to mouthdrying on the finish. Bold cherry flavors and a touch of chocolate finish long, picking up hints of spice. Drink now–2020.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 92