The black cherry-scented 2018 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Antique Vieilles Vignes is almost all Grenache, aged in concrete. Medium to full-bodied, expansive and silky, it's a serious budget alternative to wines from the various crus of the Southern Rh?ne. With ample concentration and a gentle dusting of tannins on the finish, it should even drink well for 6-7 years from the vintage.

The 2015 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Antique Vieilles Vignes is 90% Grenache, with the other 10% being a blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Aged in concrete tanks, it offers attractive aromas of raspberries, cherries and dried flowers. It's medium-bodied, with silky tannins and a long finish that hints at savory notes of leather and dried spices.

The 2013 C?tes du Rh?ne Cuvee Antique Vielles Vignes shares lots of aromatic similarities to his Chateauneuf, but has some aggressive tannin on the palate that will be something to watch. Made from 90% Grenache and aged all in concrete tank, I suspect this will come together nicely once in bottle.

A blend of 90% old vine Grenache and 10% Syrah that was aged for 15 months in concrete tank, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes Cuvee Antique sports a transparent ruby color to go with perfumed, fragrant notions of kirsch, garrigue, lavender and ground pepper. Medium-bodied, up-front and nicely textured, it has good mid-palate depth and fine tannin that comes through on the finish. In short, it’s a beautiful Cotes du Rhone that will drink nicely for 3-4 years. Drink now-2017. Located in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, these classic, traditional efforts are made by Philippe Bravay. They always emphasize purity and finesse, and are highly recommended. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The Provencal-styled, delicious 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Antique Vieilles Vignes exhibits meaty/seaweed notes intermixed with notions of smoke, earth and herbs. Philippe Bravay fashions some of the most singular and distinctive wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Although his Chateauneuf du Papes represent fabulous value for what they are, readers who want an inexpensive introduction to Bravay's talents should check out his two cuvees of Cotes du Rhone. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800