The floral, light to medium-bodied 2000 Pinot Blanc Cote de Rouffach is a zesty, citrus-flavored wine made for uncritical drinking. It should be quaffed over the next 12 months. Rene Mure, who runs this negociant firm as well as the Domaine de Clos St.-Landelin, believes "2000 is an excellent year, better than 1999, but the 2001s will be extraordinary." "I've listed the disgorgement dates on my sparkling wines so consumers will know if they are getting the freshest product," said the meticulous and honest Mure. His act will also allow Wine Advocate readers to differentiate between his different cuvees, something that is particularly important with non-vintage sparkling wines (I recently saw a ten year old "shelf-talker", complete with Wine Advocate score, describing the non-vintage Veuve Clicquot at a DC retailer).Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; (202) 832-9083

The 1998 Pinot Blanc Cote de Rouffach (produced from a two-third Pinot Blanc, one-third Auxerrois blend) displays a floral nose. This plump, medium-bodied offering has excellent grip. Citrus fruits, stones, and fresh herbs are found in its lively, easygoing personality. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Importers: A Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620, and Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100.