The medium to full-bodied 2000 Cote Rotie La Turque (which includes 7% Viognier) offers notes of espresso, Chinese black tea, plum, fig, and black currant fruit. It is undeniably a top success for this somewhat challenging vintage. It is already drinking well, and should age nicely for 12-15 years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

The medium to full-bodied 2000 Cote Rotie La Turque (which includes 7% Viognier) offers notes of espresso, Chinese black tea, plum, fig, and black currant fruit. It is undeniably a top success for this somewhat challenging vintage. It is already drinking well, and should age nicely for 12-15 years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Smelling like a raspberry and Port reduction, this manages to let an enormous core of bittersweet chocolate, plum compote, chocolate ganache and exotic spice flavors glide across the palate. Its obvious muscularity strides in on the finish and the flavors echo almost endlessly. Needs time though. Best from 2006 through 2030. 400 cases made. -JM