The 2000 reflects the excessive yields that existed in the Cote Rotie vineyards. The wine is not very concentrated, and is surprisingly austere and tannic. It is an elegant but oaky example that will not age beyond a decade. A principal objection with respect to Bonserine's cuvees is their high levels of aggressive oak. They are internationally-styled, with less typicity than other examples of the appellation. Readers may recall I have had the same problem with all Bonserine's recent vintages. Importer: Seagram Chateau and Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7184

The 1999 Cote Rotie Les Moutonnes possesses an overlay of pain grille/toasty characteristics with black cherry and smoky cassis fruit notes playing a supporting role. It is medium-bodied, short, and compressed, with aggressive wood tannin in the finish. A principal objection with respect to Bonserine's cuvees is their high levels of aggressive oak. They are internationally-styled, with less typicity than other examples of the appellation. Readers may recall I have had the same problem with all Bonserine's recent vintages. Wood addicts will rate this wine higher than I have. Importer: Seagram Chateau and Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 572-7184

This wine performed well, although it is made in an oaky, international style, with less typicity than some wines of the appellation. The international style is most apparent in the dark ruby/purple-colored 1998 Cote Rotie Les Moutonnes. It offers lavish quantities of toasty new oak as well as attractive black cherry and currant fruit, medium body, sweet tannin, and low acidity. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173