The 2009 Rasteau Cuvee Prestige, a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre aged in foudre, reveals a dense ruby/purple color along with an extraordinary bouquet of black cherry jam and hoisin sauce. It is a big, full-bodied, concentrated, super-ripe, chewy effort with sweet tannins, a multilayered mouthfeel and a heady finish. Enjoy it over the next decade. (Not yet released) One of the most reliable estates in the southern Rhone (they’re based in the Cotes du Rhone village of Cairanne) is Robert Charavin’s Domaine Coteaux des Travers. Importers: Vineyard Research, Lunenburg, MA; tel. (978) 582-7215 and Charles Neal Selections, San Francisco, CA; www.charlesnealselections.com

Enticing black fruit, peat, woodsmoke, blackberry and vanilla aromas. Round and ripe palate with a fleshy heart. Real depth and a sense of pleasure.