The seductive, sensual 2011 Cotes du Rhone Les Brottiers was made primarily from Grenache. The vintage’s freshness as well as medium-bodied, seductive mouthfeel are found in this 2011 red. It should drink well for several years. Laurent Brotte continues to take this historic negociant firm to higher and higher heights in Chateauneuf du Pape. No doubt the hiring of Philippe Cambie several years ago has aided in this dramatic improvement. My recent tastings here revealed very good 2011s and 2010s, the latter perhaps being the finest vintage I have yet tasted from Brotte. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

Made in an elegant, almost Burgundian style, the 2010 Cotes du Rhone Les Brottiers offers up scents of sweet and sour cherries, pomegranate, earth and Provencal herbs. Medium-bodied and crisp with the vintage’s excellent precision and delineation, it should drink well for 3-4 years. This firm continues to dramatically improve the quality of its wines since Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, took over management in 2000. Additionally, the brilliant Philippe Cambie is the consultant. Brotte is renowned for their non-vintage cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole du Pape, which is usually a blend of three or four vintages and is sold in a misshapen, phony dust-covered bottle that undoubtedly horrifies purists. However, the wine is quite good, and to Laurent Brotte’s credit, they have started putting a lot number on the label. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

The less expensive 2009 Cotes du Rhone Les Brottiers is fashioned from vineyards in Cairanne and Laudun. Pure aromas of raspberries, spice box, unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice and lavender jump from the glass of this dark ruby-hued, medium-bodied red. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released) The Brotte family was among one of the first to estate bottle Chateauneuf du Papes in the early 1930s. Over recent years, under the guidance of Laurent Brotte, the grandson of the founder, Charles Brotte, quality has improved dramatically. Additionally, they have brought in the renowned consultant, Philippe Cambie. Brotte is still best known for their non-vintage, solera blend of Chateauneuf du Pape called La Fiole, which is a huge commercial success. The quality is very good in spite of the phoney dust or the twisted and bent bottle. All of the wines I recently tasted with Laurent Brotte are classy, well-made, high quality efforts. Brotte seems to go largely unnoticed in the American market, but that should change based on what they have been accomplishing over recent vintages. Various American importers based on the state in which you live: www.brotte.com

The least expensive Cotes du Rhone is the 2007 Les Brottieres, which includes 90% Grenache aged in old wood foudres. This elegant red exhibits good purity of dusty cherry fruit and spice. This negociant firm has become increasingly reliable for a bevy of southern Rhone wines, including these Chateauneuf du Papes and Cotes du Rhones. Various American importers; www.brotte.com

Clean and fresh, marked by tart cherry aromas and flavors. Lacks depth and lushness, but might make a nice picnic red. ——J.C.(11/15/2006)—— 83