The pretty 2004 Cotes du Rhone Rasteau Cuvee Prestige exhibits muscular, rustic notes of black cherries, chocolate, scorched earth, and sweet herbs as well as cherries. It should drink well for a decade. Although the irrepressible Andre Romero hardly needed help from Bordeaux, he has brought in Stephane Derenoncourt, the well-known wine guru of St.-Emilion and Pomerol as a consultant. Romero has purchased some parcels in both Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape, but his glories remain his offerings from the ancient, sun-drenched/roasted, old Grenache vines of Rasteau. Romero is one of the region’s more modern winemakers, aging his top cuvees in small oak barrels. However, these wines easily absorb their wood component given their tremendous concentration and power.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565