Dark ruby/purple with notes of truffle oil, roasted meat, black fruits, and scorched earth, the 2005 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is the pick of the litter. From a vineyard planted on pure schist, which renders a Graves-like earthiness to the wine, this wine is smoky, deep, chewy, rustic, but saved by its beautiful fruit purity. This beauty should hit its prime in 3 years, and drink well for 12-15.Importers: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625, and David Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900

Dark ruby/purple with notes of truffle oil, roasted meat, black fruits, and scorched earth, the 2005 Cote Rotie Les Grandes Places is the pick of the litter. From a vineyard planted on pure schist, which renders a Graves-like earthiness to the wine, this wine is smoky, deep, chewy, rustic, but saved by its beautiful fruit purity. This beauty should hit its prime in 3 years, and drink well for 12-15. Importers: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625, and David Shiverick, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 483-5900