The 2013 C?tes du Rh?ne Cuvée Chateaumar has light cherry, pomegranate and herbes de Provence in its juicy, mid-weight and peppery profile. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, it needs consuming over the near term.

The 2012 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Chateaumar is a lightly textured, straightforward effort that has light cherry, spice and underbrush notes that quickly fade on the palate. It’s an average effort that should be consumed over the coming couple of years. Drink now. Producing a solid array of top-notch wines, Domaine Mathieu is run by brothers Andre and Jerome Mathieu, with consulting advice from the up-and-coming oenologist, Xavier Vignon. While 2011 was obviously a difficult vintage, these 2012s are superb and up there with their 2010s in terms of quality. Various American importers, including Metropolis Wine Merchants, New York, NY; Grape News Importing Ltd., Chicago, IL; and Savio Sparss Selections, Manhassat, NY