Obviously, the 2010 Roussanne Pure possesses more candle wax, marmalade and honeysuckle notes in a full-bodied, rich, concentrated style of wine that is difficult to estimate in terms of how it will age. I wold certainly opt to drink it over the next several years.Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Roussanne is 100% Roussanne completely aged in small barrels. The oak is pushed to the background, so I suspect most of the barrels are used. Rich, waxy, honeyed notes of marmalade, floral, and tropical fruit, a terrific texture, and a long, pure finish are found in this sensational wine. One of the top Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage, it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 years. (Not yet released)Domaine Raymond Usseglio produced brilliant 2009s as well as very good 2008s. As long-time readers know, American importer Peter Weygandt chooses his own classic/traditional cuvee, named Cuvee Girard, for sale in America. I tend to have a slight preference for Weygandt's cuvee over the traditional offering sold elsewhere as it is bottled without fining or filtering, and I think the actual blend is slightly different. That said, it was almost impossible to see any difference in either the 2008 or 2009 offerings at this stage.Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800