The 2003 Vin du Soleil red (60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, and 20% Syrah, all from the Beckman Purisima Mountain vineyard) is a very good example of a Cotes du Rhone-styled California red. Peppery, with loads of sweet cherry fruit intermixed with notions of spice and underbrush, it is a delightful bistro red for exuberant, friendly quaffing, but with a bit more character than most wines of that genre. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. One cannot say enough about the commitment to excellence exhibited year after year by Adam Tolmach.Tel. (805) 649-1674

A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre (all from the Beckman-Purisima Mountain Vineyards), the 2001 Vin du Soleil red exhibits a dense ruby/purple color in addition to delicious licorice-infused berry fruit with hints of pepper, spice box, and earth, moderate tannin, and loads of personality. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Tel. (805) 649-1674