The 2009 Cotes du Rhone Reserve (an identical blend) is soft, ripe, peppery, fruity, opaque ruby in color, with a more narrow palate. While excellent, this racy, reasonably priced wine has to take a backseat to the brilliant 2010. Great bargains continue to emerge from Domaine Grand Veneur as well as from their negociant arm of the business, labeled Alain Jaume.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

The 2008 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Rose exhibits a light, delicate color, crisp framboise and strawberry notes, medium body, terrific fruit intensity, and a dry, zesty finish. One of the finest properties in Chateauneuf du Pape, Grand Veneur’s estate wines have been performing at a brilliant level, and their negociant line, bottled under the name Alain Jaume, is also impressive.Importer: Fran Kysela, Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Full-bodied and lush, with a nose of ripe plums and mint and a concentrated palate of cherry, licorice and cafe au lait. There's good fruit intensity here and a soft bed of buttery tannins that carry over to the anise-flavored finish. Try with Spanish fare. ——W.E.(10/15/2010)—— 88