The 2012 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Seguret is a different blend than the regular cuvee (Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah), but it receives the same vinification. It exhibits peppery, meaty, smoked herb, lavender and kirsch notes, a medium-bodied mouthfeel, an attractive texture, and good depth as well as overall plushness and ripeness. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Both of these Soaves come from Cantina Filippi’s highest elevation vineyards. Both are stainless steel-fermented and aged with the single vineyard Vigna della Bra planted in predominantly limestone soils and aged 20 months in stainless steel on its lees (a surprisingly long time). The Castelcerino site is composed primarily of volcanic soils. Both are 100% Garganega, the indigenous Italian white varietal associated with Soave. Importer: Polaner Selections - Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404; fax (914) 244-0505

Aged totally in concrete, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Seguret is fashioned from an intriguing blend of 61% Grenache, 15% Carignan, 10% Cinsault, 9% Mourvedre and 5% Syrah, all from hillside vineyards below the Dentelles de Montmirail. The wine exhibits a dark ruby/plum color, in addition to lots of peppery, meaty, black cherry and black currant fruit intertwined with soil and herb undertones. Medium-bodied and fleshy, it is ideal for drinking over the next several years. One of the most beautiful Cotes du Rhone villages is the idyllic hilltop town of Seguret. My favorite estate from this area has long been Domaine Mourchon, but the Domaine Jean-David, a 42-acre estate that has been certified organic since 1987, is making waves. Doug Polaner is his name, and high quality wines in all price ranges is his game. I have been tasting with Polaner over a number of years, and these notes represent his very finest value selections. Importer: Polaner Selections, Doug Polaner, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel: (914) 244-0404; fax: (914) 244-0505