The 2007 Syrah from Les Jamelles is redolent of prunes, dried blueberries, nutmeg, and white pepper. Satisfyingly sappy and with pungent herbs and pepper adding interest to its fruit, it finishes with considerable pep. It should keep well for a couple of years. Les Jamelles’s wines continue to be well-sourced from throughout the greater Languedoc and include some notable values. The latest collection was even more consistent in quality than that I tasted last year. Among the latest releases I tasted, only a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Les Jamelles – while pleasant – failed to really rise to the level of notable value.Importer: Cellar Door Selections, Columbia, MD; tel. (410) 309-6061

Straightforward but delicious with bright, juicy raspberry and blackberry notes along with accents of smoked meat, clove and eucalyptus. Medium-bodied with soft tannins and a cedar-infused finish.——L.B.(11/1/2009)—— 85