Domaine de la Mordoree’s less expensive reds start with the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Dame Rousse, a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise. This wine shows some dark plum notes intermixed with raspberry, kirsch, licorice, and some loamy soil. This wine has a lot of muscle and density for a Cotes du Rhone, and is best drunk over the next 4-5 years, although it should last up to a decade. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

As for the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Red, this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise shows wonderfully earthy, meaty black cherry and black currant notes with some spring flowers. The wine has good tannins, fresh acidity, a characteristic of this vintage, and medium-bodied, pure, fresh, vibrant flavors that last on the palate.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

A bit tight right now, this blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault features rubbery, tar-like aromas that require time to resolve. Once past those, the dark fruit and spice elements come through before the wine closes in again on the crisp, firm finish. Give it another six months in the bottle to settle down.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 86