The 1999 Cotes du Rhone Pont St.-Esprit (there are 10,000 cases of this 85% Syrah/15% Grenache blend) exhibits fresh, ripe, blackberry and cassis fruit, medium body, and admirable purity. This exceptionally well made Cotes du Rhone is capable of lasting 5-6 years. This is an excellent value. Importer: Pressoir Deutz Winery, Inc., Arroyo Grande, CA.

This straight-ahead Rhone red opens with a lively nose of faintly sweet red berries offset by earth, pepper and anise accents. The dry palate follows suit, although perhaps with not the depth or intensity promised. Still, it’s a good mid-weight red and a fine party or bar pour, closing with moderate tannins and length. Best Buy. ——W.E.(3/1/2002)—— 85