The 1999 Beaumes de Venise exhibits orange marmalade and peach notes along with copious glycerin, medium to full body, and moderate sweetness. What surprised me when I visited Vidal Fleury was that I have always thought (and for the most part still believe) that these wines need to be drunk during their first 2-3 years of life to take advantage of the exuberant fruit and fragile aromatics. However, I was served the 1990 Beaumes de Venise, which remains fresh, lively, and aromatic, with little evidence of oxidation. I would still drink them young, but some vintages may prove exceptions. Importer: William Deutsch and Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914-251-WINE)