The lightest, most gulpable of this quartet is the 2001 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve. Soft strawberry and black cherry fruit characteristics emerge from this dark ruby/garnet-colored offering. Spicy, earthy, peppery as well as tasty, it is an ideal restaurant/bistro red to consume over the next 1-2 years.
Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228.