The dark ruby-hued 2003 Cairanne reveals good levels of concentration, character, and depth. Leathery, earthy, strawberry, and cherry characteristics emerge from this medium-bodied, surprisingly elegant red. It requires consumption over the next 1-2 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

This 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre blend reveals a healthy deep ruby color, a generous peppery, earthy, jammy, berry-scented nose, soft, fat flavors, very good winemaking, and a low acid, spicy finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. A good valueRobert Kacher: 2015 Vine Street NE, Washington, DC 20018; tel. (202) 832-9083, fax (202) 529-2579

Daniel Brusset is well-known for producing rich, huge, full-bodied Gigondas wines from his Les Hauts de Montmirail estate. The 1993 Cotes du Rhone Cairanne, aged in one-year old casks, exhibits a saturated dark ruby color, a big, spicy, herb, cedar, and black-cherry-scented nose, full body, super-ripeness, and a wonderful chewy, fat fruitiness that flows across the palate. This is a heady, delicious Cotes du Rhone for drinking over the next 2-3 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC.