In addition to his Chateauneuf du Papes, he also releases a rock-solid Cotes du Rhone Villages. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah the spent 4 months in stainless steel, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Villages is a classic, traditional effort with its ground herbs, pepper, dark fruit and background meatiness. Medium-bodied, rich and nicely textured, it should drink nicely for 3-5 years. Drink now-2018. These are solid, very well-made wines by Proprietor Claude Chastan. Covering roughly 35 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, this estate lies mostly in the northwestern portion of the appellation. Various American importers, including J A O Wine Imports, McLean, VA; tel. (703) 848-2473; European Wine Import, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 426-0980, and Vintage Wine Marketing, Napa, CA; www.vintagewinemarketing.com