The dense ruby/purple-colored 2009 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle (70% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre and 3% Grenache) possesses pure notes of red and black fruits, bouquet garni, pepper and subtle background smoke and oak notes. With good texture, flesh and richness, this impressively well-endowed Costieres de Nimes will drink well for 7-8 years. This excellent Costieres de Nimes estate has fashioned an impressive portfolio of 2009s. Moreover, as with just about any wine from this appellation, prices are fair, making this a treasure-trove of value.Importer: Paul M. Young Fine Wines, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 232-5199

The 2007 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle is a blend of 70% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, and 5% Grenache. Deep ruby/plum/purple-tinged with notes of bouquet garni, licorice, black currants, and cherries, this medium to full-bodied 2007 possesses good purity and density as well as a round, generous finish. It can be consumed over the next 3-4 years. One of the Costieres de Nimes’s top estates for quality and value, Mas Neuf is run by Luc Baudet.Importers: Barterhouse, New York, NY; tel. (917) 463-3076; and Paul M. Young Fine Wines, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (323) 222-2003

The 2005 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle is a blend of 70% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, and the rest Grenache. It is an outstanding wine that has a deep ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of black chocolate, creme de cassis, and blackberry, followed by full-bodied, lush, intense flavors that are pure and savory. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. One of the best estates in this up-and-coming region, known for high quality and fair prices, is Chateau Mas Neuf. It is a large estate with proprietor Luc Baudet owning 150+ acres of vineyard. The quality of these wines is consistently good and the prices reasonable.Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

The 2003 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle is a blend of 70% Grenache and equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. It exhibits sweet black cherry and cassis fruit interwoven with notes of garrigue, spicy vanillin, and peppery licorice. Medium-bodied and round, with a good finish, it should drink well for 2-3 years. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 722-9228

The dense purple-colored 2001 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle (a blend of primarily Syrah with lesser quantities of Grenache and Mourvedre) is a brawny, super-charged red with medium to full body, and loads of glycerin and black fruits intermixed with a hint of licorice. Soft tannin, low acidity, and a wealth of fruit make it impossible to resist. It will last for 5-6 years. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228