The 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre) spent time in small, old oak barrels. It exhibits lots of licorice, new saddle leather, roasted herb, tar, raspberry and black cherry notes along with a smoky, earthy character. It is as strong, possibly slightly richer than the Cuvee des Galets. (Not yet released) One of the finest estates in the southern Rhone for their selection of Cotes du Rhone-Villages and, more recently, Rasteau, is this biodynamically farmed estate of Helene and Daniel Boulle in Travaillan. These wines first came to my attention with the 1999 vintage, and after a choppy period a decade or so ago, the last few vintages have been very promising. The number of cuvees produced can vary, but in 2011, there are four cuvees of Cotes du Rhone-Villages plus an old vine Rasteau made from vines planted in 1921. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800