Also firm, yet with more back-end substance, the 2010 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Raphael offers up loads of dark berry fruits, licorice, toasted spice and smoke to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated palate. Give it another 2-3 years of bottle age and enjoy through 2022. Drink 2015-2022. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Premier Wine, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, Calvert-Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400, and Behind The Cellar Door Imports, Bloomfield Hills, MI; tel. (248) 925-6639

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Raphael possesses terrific intensity, a lavish, almost extravagant mouthfeel, full-bodied power, and oodles of black currant and black cherry fruit intermixed with licorice, garrigue, and spice box. Dense, rich, and hedonistic, it is hard to resist now, and promises even further development over the next decade. Beaune resident Alain Corcia also has a portfolio of Burgundy wines, but some of his finest work is done in the Rhone Valley where his sympathies and passions seem to rise above his feelings for his Burgundy selections. His 2007 Rhone Valley portfolio includes the finest wines he has put together in the history of his firm. Corcia is a dedicated family man and labels all of his Collection Alain Corcia Chateauneuf du Papes after his family members. He also fashions a selection of the finest two barrels which he calls the Creme de la Creme. Each of the following wines represents about 200-250 cases, with the total Chateauneuf du Pape production around 1,500 cases. Corcia’s three children are represented by the Herve, Raphael, and Julie cuvees. While these wines are all similar in style, they do have minor differences. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Premier Wine, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, Calvert-Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400, and Behind The Cellar Door Imports, Bloomfield Hills, MI; tel. (248) 925-6639

The 2004 Cuvee Raphael seems slightly more restrained than the Patricia, but it is a relatively big wine for a 2004 with a deep ruby color to the rim and floral, blackberry and cherry notes intermixed with pepper and hints of balsam and resiny notes. The wine is medium-bodied, crisp, and solidly made. It should drink well for 5-6 years. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284, and Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400

The herbal, animalistic, leathery 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Raphael displays high levels of tannin as well as a funky, spicy component. While it reveals a dark plum/ruby color, good fruit, plenty of size, and substantial flavor depth, the somewhat kinky aromatics and controversial animalistic component will provoke considerable discussion among wine geeks. It should drink well for 10-12 years. An Alain Corcia Selection, various American importers, including Charmer Industries, NY; tel. (718) 726-2500, Southern Wine and Spirits, CA; tel. (510) 487-3332, a Premier Wines, CA; tel. (510) 237-6284,nd Calvert Woodley Wines, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-4400