The 1996 Cote Rotie La Turque possesses a dark, saturated ruby/purple color, aromas of caramel, vanillin, and smoked cherry jam, medium to full body, outstanding ripeness, a plush, surprisingly soft finish, and loads of glycerin. This effort should be drunk over the next 12-15 years. Importer: Fred Ek, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Very complex. With its plum, mocha and dark chocolate and clean, fresh black currant, there is plenty to like in this full-bodied, heavily oaked Rhone red. Maintains a clean, sharp acidity that lingers on the finish. Drink now through 2004. 400 cases made. -PM