The young and talented Christophe Sabon continues to display the sure-handed touch of a veteran winemaker. The 1998 Vin de Pays, a purple-colored blend of Merlot and Syrah is an impressively rich, husky wine with oodles of black cherry fruit intertwined with coffee and chocolate flavors. Full-bodied, low in acidity, and gloriously lush, it will offer delicious drinking over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, New York, NY; tel. (212) 924-4949