Beautifully perfumed, the 2012 Rasteau offers a sweet bouquet of red and black fruits, pepper, underbrush, incense and spices to go with a medium to full-bodied, deep and layered profile on the palate. Possessing solid mid-palate depth, fine tannin and rocking length, it should be a no-brainer purchase and drink nicely for 7-8 years. Located in Rasteau, Domaine La Colliere is run by the talented Georges Perrot, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie. Both of these 2012s are excellent and some of the top wines in the vintage. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau exhibits the chocolate-covered berry fruit that is so typical of this appellation. Full-bodied, rustic, masculine and rugged, it needs to settle down, but should offer attractive drinking in 2-3 years, and last for a decade. This tiny estate is run by a dedicated, passionate proprietor, Georges Perrot. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The intense opaque purple-colored 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau is loaded with black fruit, licorice, smoked meat and melted chocolate aromas. Full-bodied with surprisingly civilized tannins for a Rasteau, this finesse-styled 2010 should drink nicely for 10-12 years. (Not yet released) If readers have not yet discovered this exceptional small estate run by proprietor Georges Perrot, it’s time they do so. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau (80% Grenache and equal parts Syrah and Mourvedre aged in concrete) comes from 60-80-year-old vines. It offers sexy, opulent, smoky, black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of raspberries, licorice, pepper, and a hint of charcuterie. Drink this medium to full-bodied, seductive red over the next 1-2 years. I met proprietor Georges Perrot several years ago before he had an American importer, and he is one of the most talented owners in Rasteau. As the following two wines evidence, he has now hooked up with one of the better small niche importers in our country, Eric Solomon. The talented Philippe Cambie is the consultant at this estate. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565; fax (704) 358-1797