The 2005 La Rosine has turned out beautifully. The wine has softened considerably, with seductive notes of roasted herbs, scorched earth, sweet cherries, currants, and licorice as well as spice present in this delicious, savory, full-flavored, bistro-styled wine that should drink nicely for 5 years. Readers will be happy to know that Stephane Ogier will be producing a Condrieu starting in the 2007 vintage.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

This is spicy and herbal but also loaded with cherry fruit, made with grapes grown not far from teh family's Cote-Rotie vineyards. It's a bit light in body, but nicely savory and true to its northern Rhone origins, with enough structure to hold for 2-3 years.——J.C.(9/1/2007)—— 88