The beautiful 1999 St.-Joseph Cuvee Francois de Tournon's dense ruby color is accompanied by a crunchy nose of black raspberries intertwined with cherry liqueur. The wine is sweet, ripe, and seductive. This hedonistic, medium to full-bodied 1999 possesses gorgeous ripeness, outstanding concentration, and good underlying acidity, which provides up-lift, definition, and a refreshing character. It should drink well for 12-15 years. This is a good commercial example. The significant difference in quality between the outstanding 1999 northern Rhone vintage and the above average yet essentially correct 2000 is dramatically evidenced in Delas's wines. The 2000 red offerings reveal charming ripeness, but also the vintage's softness, lightness, and lack of depth. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000.