The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Belleruche (which is already in bottle) offers straightforward notes of red currants, sweet cherries, crushed rocks, and roasted Provencal herbs. Consume it over the next 1-2 years. Michel Chapoutier fashions some terrific low-end wines that sell for a song, and in 2007, they are of exceptionally high quality. The handful of 2008s I tasted also look very good for the vintage. These are sleeper selections, especially his La Ciboise and Estubiers from the Coteaux du Tricastin. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

There's nice upfront black cherry aromas, backed up by scents of herbes de provence and a woodsy flavors in the mouth. The finish is long and nuanced but the angular tannins leave a drying impression. This is clearly a food wine and would partner well with hearty beef and game dishes. ——W.E.(10/15/2010)—— 86