One of the star estates in the Languedoc-Roussillon's up and coming Pic St.-Loup appellation, Chateau de Cazeneuve's five offerings deliver plenty of flavor and character. The 1996 Pic St.-Loup rouge reveals a deep ruby/plum color, sweet berry, Zinfandel-like, briery, and black cherry fruit, excellent richness, medium body, and a spicy, round finish. Drink it over the next several years. Importer: a Jeffrey Davies Signature Selection, West Nyack, NY; tel. (845) 353-8767

Sadly, only 100 cases of this 80% Syrah/20% Mourvedre blend were produced. Aged in 100% new oak Paransaud barrels, this amazing wine tastes as if the famed California consultant/winemaker, Helen Turley, controlled the vinification and upbringing. The wine boasts an opaque purple color, a flamboyant nose of creamy, jammy, black-raspberry and blueberry fruit, amazing concentration, richness, and purity, and beautifully integrated wood and acidity. At such a price, this head-turning, spectacular wine is being given away! Bottled unfiltered, this unreal beauty should be drunk over the next 7-8 years. An astonishing wine!Importer: a Jeffrey Davies Signature Selection, West Nyack, NY; tel. (845) 353-8767