Spectacular, and certainly one of the great sleeper value picks of the southern Rhone in vintages such as 1998, 2000, and 2001, is the dense purple-colored, full-bodied 2001 Lirac Cuvee de la Reine des Bois. Made of equal parts Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre from 40-year old vines, it smells and tastes like Chateauneuf du Pape. Aromas and flavors of licorice, acacia flowers, blackberries, and cherry liqueur infused with espresso are found in this lush, hedonistic 2001. I have been working my way through a case of the 1998 Lirac Cuvee de la Reine des Bois, which is still a young wine. The 2001 is equally as profound. Anticipated maturity: now-2012. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228