Readers shouldn’t look at Vidal Fleury as a stepchild of Guigal, as enormous investments are being made and I think the best days of Vidal Fleury’s wines are ahead of them. Of course, Vidal does produce top-notch Cote Rotie, released late in the market much like the Guigal cuvees. The 2003 Cote Rotie Brune et Blonde is typical of the vintage with notes of mocha, olive paste, sweet cherries, and black raspberries with some cedar, underbrush, and spice. It is medium-bodied, soft, plush, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-7 years. Importer: William Deutsch and Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-WINE