The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Becs Fins is a tank-aged cuvee dominated by Grenache with some Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre included in the blend. Exhibiting notes of lavender, black currants, sweet cherry jam and licorice, this complex, medium-bodied red is ideal for drinking over the next 4-5 years. (Not yet released)Michel Tardieu has excellent relationships with many growers in the southern Rhone, which is reflected in the quality of his three cuvees of Cotes du Rhone as well as what he accomplishes in Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. He normally makes three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, but I only tasted two on my recent visit.Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

A wine that is also already in bottle and a terrific bargain is the 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Becs Fins. Aged totally in tank, this blend is dominated by Grenache, with some Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. A relatively large cuvee by Michel Tardieu’s standards, it exhibits super-deep black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice, lavender, and a hint of Provencal herbs. Round, corpulent, generous, and full-bodied, it is a dazzling effort for this price point and can be drunk over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Becs Fins, a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, reveals smoky underbrush, grilled herb, and meaty black fruit notes. Consume it during its first 2-3 years of life. (Not yet released)Previously recommended in issue #179, but not tasted out of bottle: 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale (94-95), 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (92-94), 2007 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Speciale (91-93), 2007 Cotes du Rhone y Louis (91-93)Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661