The 2000 Cotes du Rhone Villages Cuvee Vieilles Vignes's sweet nose of black raspberry liqueur is not dissimilar from certain Chateauneuf du Papes. It is medium to full-bodied, pure, and impeccably balanced. In fact, the longer this wine sat in the glass, the more it resembled a grand cru Musigny. Although light, it is wonderfully cerebral, pure, fresh, and ideal for drinking over the next 8-10 years. The wine is bottled without fining and filtration. As I wrote last year, this is one of the discoveries of the southern Rhone. Although this is an expensive Cotes du Rhone, it represents a great value because it is comparable to the finest Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. It is a stunningly concentrated, brilliant example from owner Daniel Boulle. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel (610) 486-0800