Orliac’s 2005 Coteaux du Languedoc Clos du Prieur – a 50:50 Grenache:Syrah blend grown just outside the Pic Saint-Loup appellation in St.-Jean de Bueges and raised in barriques – smells of plum paste, clove, black pepper and resin. Juicy and intensely-fruited yet (like his tank wine) firm in underlying structure and not at all superficially sweet, it clings beautifully with resinous herbs and exotic, wide-ranging spices. I wouldn’t hesitate to follow it 2-3 more years in bottle. Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565