Looking like a rock-solid effort, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes is a tank-aged blend of Grenache and Syrah. Screaming Southern Rhone on the nose, with plenty of spice, saddle leather and garrigue, it’s a medium-bodied, soft, supple character-filled effort. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. Drink now-2018. A lineup of wines that just blew me away, these stunning efforts are made by Olivier Hillaire and should not be missed by any Southern Rhone lover. They’re massive, rich and textured wines, so not for the faint of heart, yet they offer thrilling drinking experiences. Count me a fan. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173