The deep ruby/purple-tinged, tank-aged 2010 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit (70% Syrah and 30% Grenache) offers notes of roasted herbs, black cherries, licorice and pepper. This delicious red represents terrific value. (Not yet released)As I noted last year, there has been tremendous progress and a definitive amelioration of quality with respect to the Chateauneuf du Papes being produced by Delas.Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000

Soft for the vintage, with forward cherry and plum fruit, followed by a light vanilla shading on the finish. Drink now. 27,000 cases imported. -JM

The very good 2009 Cotes du Rhone St.-Esprit proves that these cuvees are best drunk in the first 1-2 years after bottling as they begin to fade quickly. While this 2009 is not yet fading, it is not as vibrant and heady as it was last year right after bottling. As I noted last year, there has been tremendous progress and a definitive amelioration of quality with respect to the Chateauneuf du Papes being produced by Delas.Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000