The 2002 Syrah/Grenache (58% of the former and 42% of the latter) is clipped on the back end, but at the front, it reveals sweet black cherry fruit intermixed with earth, pepper, and licorice. Medium-bodied, richly fruity, and front-end loaded, with a finish that tails off, this is a delicious bistro-styled red to drink over the next 12-18 months.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

The 1998 Grenache/Syrah blend (70% of the former and 30% of the latter), five-thousand cases were produced for the American importer from 50-year old Grenache vines and younger vines of Syrah. Made from modest yields of 40 hectoliters per hectare, does not reveal any of the herbaceousness often found in wines of this price. Instead, tasters will encounter copious quantities of kirsch liqueur, creamy black cherry fruit, medium body, a lush texture, and a heady, glycerin-imbued, clean finish. It is a mouth-filling, delicious red to consume over the next 1-2 years. Purchase this one by the case!Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083