The 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde is outstanding. The saturated, dense purple/plum color is accompanied by a closed nose that, with airing, gives up classic aromas of kirsch, cassis, jammy cherries, Provencal herbs, and toasty, smoky oak. The wine is medium to full-bodied, thick and rich, with admirable structure and depth. Last year I thought there was more to this wine than it was revealing at the time, and indeed there is. However, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 16-18 years. Impressive! There are two Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees produced at this excellent estate situated in the northern section of the appellation, not far from Chateau Beaucastel. The regular cuvee is a softer, fruitier wine that is meant to be drunk young. The Cuvee La Cote Ronde, made from a 5-acre parcel of 70-95-year old vines, is given a lengthier fermentation/maceration, and aged for 18 months, with 50% of the production kept in new oak casks for 12 months and then assembled. Autard has produced very fine wines over recent years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625