More Syrah driven (90% Syrah and 10% Carignan), the 2011 Costieres De Nimes Capitelles, which was also tasted out of barrel, offers loads of sweet black fruits, cassis, licorice and leather in its medium-bodied rich and supple profile. Like a lot of 2011s, it offers plenty of upfront appeal, and will drink nicely on release. It should have 4-6 years of total evolution. Importer: Paul Young Fine Wines

With big minerality, black fruits and smoke earth characteristics, the 2010 Costieres De Nimes Capitelles offers loads of fruit, medium-bodied richness and a savory, chewy texture. It should drink nicely for 5-6 years. Importer: Paul Young Fine Wines

The outstanding, dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Capitelles du Mourgues is a blend of 85% Syrah and the rest Carignan and Grenache. It offers up abundant aromas of blackberries, licorice, camphor, and forest floor as well as a lush, dense, chewy style. The richest of these reds, it is capable of lasting for 3-4 years. Costieres de Nimes, an appellation centered around the ancient Roman settlement of Nimes, just south of Chateauneuf du Pape, remains one of France’s top sources for value wines. Chateau Mourgues du Gres has been producing successful wines for as long as I’ve been tasting in this region, and their current portfolio includes two strong whites, two strong roses, and a bevy of delicious reds. The 2009 Fleur d’Eglantine rose includes 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, whereas the 2009 Galets Rose has 40% Syrah and much less Mourvedre. Both wines contain 50% Grenache. Both are outstanding roses that are vinified in stainless steel and bottled early to preserve their fruit and freshness. Importer: David Bowler Wine, tel: 212-807-1680, www.bowlerwine.com

The 2006 Capitelles du Mourgues, usually the top cuvee, has to take a backseat to its 2007 siblings because 2006, while a very good vintage, is not a vintage of a lifetime like 2007. A blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache exhibits a full-bodied, earthy richness along with hints of smoked meats, black currants, licorice, and spicy oak. About one-third of this cuvee is aged in 500-liter demi-muids, which no doubt accounts for some of the wine’s toastiness. It should drink well for 2-3 years. One of the most impressive estates in the Costieres de Nimes (a treasure-trove of value-priced wines), Mourgues du Gres’ reds and whites are all worth checking out by consumers looking to maximizing their buying power.Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

From old vines Syrah finished with a bit of Grenache and aged in barriques, the 2006 Costieres de Nimes Capitelles des Mourgues is quiet but insistent in its aromas of black currant, black pepper, licorice, chocolate and roasted meat. In the mouth, it really expands with a resinous expression of herbs, rich bitter chocolate, smoky charred meats, and creme de cassis. Implacably dense yet fine-grained, this palate-staining black wine needs at least another year or two in bottle and should be worth following for 5-7 years Importer: David Bowler Wine, tel: 212-807-1680, www.bowlerwine.com