The 1999 Beaumes de Venise, aged in equal parts old foudres and tank, is a blend of 60-year old Grenache vines (75%) and the rest mostly Syrah, with a tiny dollop of Mourvedre. It is a big, ruggedly constructed, dense ruby/purple-colored wine with tangy acidity, robust black cherry and blackberry fruit intermixed with pepper, melted asphalt, and licorice. It will offer a mouthful of juicy, exuberant, robust wine over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524