The outstanding 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne La Ventabren (a blend of 20% Syrah, 70% Grenache and 10% Carignan) offers crushed pepper, black cherry, black raspberry and loamy, sandy soil characteristics, some background minerality, decent acidity, a dense ruby/purple color and full body. This sumptuous Cairanne should be enjoyed over the next 7-8 years. With 160 acres of vines, most of them planted on hillsides in Rasteau, this is a serious estate that remains somewhat under the radar. It is run by Gilles Ferran, who graduated first in his class at the University of Montpellier's School of Oenology (the number two graduate that year was his best friend, Philippe Cambie, who now consults at Escaravailles). Importer: Jeff Welburn Selections, New York, NY; tel: (212) 247-2252; www.jeffwelburn.com