The 2009 Cotes du Rhone Reserve (an identical blend) is soft, ripe, peppery, fruity, opaque ruby in color, with a more narrow palate. While excellent, this racy, reasonably priced wine has to take a backseat to the brilliant 2010. Great bargains continue to emerge from Domaine Grand Veneur as well as from their negociant arm of the business, labeled Alain Jaume.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

A blend of 50% Grenache, 43% Syrah and 7% Cinsaut, this is very fresh and fruity--loaded with cherries--but also includes spice and earth complexities and a reasonable rich, creamy texture.——J.C.(12/22/2011)—— 89