A new single vineyard effort, the 2007 Cote Rotie La Viailliere exhibits classic flowery, bacon fat, licorice, and earthy notes, a touch of herbaceousness, medium body, and a surprisingly long finish. This should turn out to be an excellent Cote Rotie. Jean-Michel Gerin used to sell 30% of his production in the United States, but when I visited him in late 2007, he was no longer exporting his wines to America. He told me he was not getting paid, and I suspect he is only one of what will undoubtedly be many casualties of the international economic crisis. It is sad to see consumers being denied access to some of the best wines being made in France as well as elsewhere.Importer: Bond Street Imports (www. bondstreetimports.com)