The 1996 Cote Rotie Champin Junior exhibits the tell-tale, roasted herb, smoky, black cherry, and raspberry-scented nose of a top Cote Rotie, as well as full body, and some sweet oak, but it is dominated by fruit. The wine reveals admirable glycerin, extract, and richness, and is a candidate for at least an excellent rating. It should drink well between 2000-2010. Gerin is undoubtedly one of Cote Rotie's finest winemakers, having produced a succession of very good vintages. In 1996, he added a fourth Cote Rotie - La Landonne - to his portfolio. All the wines reviewed in this segment were extremely unevolved, but very promising when I tasted them in July. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800

The 1995 Cote Rotie Champin Junior is not dissimilar from the Champin Le Seigneur. With slightly more acidity, it is a medium-bodied, richly fruity, generously wooded, open-knit, and attractive Cote Rotie. The wine is purely made, with plenty of peppery black fruits to go along with its overt toasty vanillin character. It will age well for 10-12 years. Gerin is undoubtedly one of Cote Rotie's finest winemakers, having produced a succession of very good vintages. In 1996, he added a fourth Cote Rotie - La Landonne - to his portfolio. All the wines reviewed in this segment were extremely unevolved, but very promising when I tasted them in July. Importer: Langdon Shiverick, Cleveland, OH; tel. (216) 861-6800