The cuvees of 2001 reds include a tasty, crisp, tart, leather, tapenade, red and black currant-scented and flavored 2001 Crozes-Hermitage. Consume it over the next 3-5 years. Importer: Fred Ek and Patrick Will, Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Solvang, CA; tel. (805) 686-9153

Fresh and lively, with enough ripe fruit to carry the day. Cassis, black currant, floral, game and grilled meat flavors; an intriguing ensemble. Lingering finish suggests a food-friendly wine. Drink now through 2006. 13,330 cases made. -PM

From its aromas of black pepper and cured meats, this wine screams Syrah. Of course, it tastes like syrah too, yielding flavors of blackberries, black pepper and air-dried beef. A bit leaner and less generous on the palate than Guigal's Saint-Joseph, but still an impressive effort, with a firm structure and modest tannins on the finish. Drink 2006–2012.——W.E.(2/1/2005)—— 87