A dusting of bittersweet cocoa powder spices up the sweet red berry core of this wine. Light and straightforward with low tannins and a clean finish.——L.B.(7/1/2011)—— 84

Sourced from the Aube, Les Jamelle’s 2008 Pinot Noir is almost disconcertingly dark purple in appearance, and I won’t claim it is easily recognized as Pinot in the nose or on the palate either, but it is distinctly delicious. Aromas of boysenberry jam, mint, and cherry liqueur segue into a caressingly-smooth, seamlessly-ripe palate, whose surprising degree of textural polish for a wine of its price is the trait most likely to remind you of its Pinot origins. The finish adds hints of berry skin tartness and brown spice pungency while preserving admirable sweetness of fruit. Enjoy this over the next 12-18 months. Les Jamelles’s wines continue to be well-sourced from throughout the greater Languedoc and include some notable values. The latest collection was even more consistent in quality than that I tasted last year. Among the latest releases I tasted, only a 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Les Jamelles – while pleasant – failed to really rise to the level of notable value.Importer: Cellar Door Selections, Columbia, MD; tel. (410) 309-6061

Both the gorgeous purple color and the nose of fresh grapes make this wine a dead ringer for Beaujolais. The soft palate shows notes of sweet strawberries but has sufficient acidity to leave a refreshing impression in the mouth. Drink now.——W.E.(3/1/2009)—— 84