The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Clos de la Brussiere Massif d-Uchaux (60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Carignan) is one of the finest Cairannes I have ever tasted. It boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to a gorgeous nose of black raspberries, incense, scorched earth, and garrigue. Deep, chewy, full-bodied, super pure, and gorgeously-textured, its abundant fruit admirably counterbalances the wine's structure. Consume it over the next 7-8 years. A tremendous source for values is Domaine Boisson as well as the wines that appear under the estate name of Alain Boisson. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

This estate, run by Regis and Bruno Boisson, needs to be watched carefully, as they have emerged in a serious fashion with their 2006s. Their top cuvee may very well be their Massif d’Uchaux, in this case their Cuvee Speciale, Clos de la Brussiere. This is from a vineyard right next to Fonsalette, and it has produced a beautifully elegant, floral wine with distinctively rich raspberries, spring flowers, and peppery loamy soil notes. The wine is medium to full-bodied, very well-balanced, and long. It is about 60% Grenache and the rest old vine Carignan, with some Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173