The 1999 St.-Joseph is an excellent value. It offers a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of crunchy cassis fruit intermixed with underbrush, licorice, and dried herbs. Fat, dense, and chewy, with low acidity, it will drink well for 5-6 years. This firm continues to evolve, with major investments in the cellar taking place. Readers should not assume that Vidal-Fleury represents the second label of its famous proprietor, Marcel Guigal. This house has a separate identity, and has been admirably managed by Jean-Pierre Rochias since Guigal acquired it in the mid-eighties. The release of Vidal-Fleury's wines is somewhat unusual, with some of the red wine cuvees held back for a number of years (i.e., the 1996 Cornas). Nevertheless, this is an undeniable source for top-notch values, particularly their southern Rhone reds from Cotes du Ventoux, Cotes du Rhone-Villages, Vacqueyras, and Cotes du Rhone. Importer: William Deutsch and Sons, White Plains, NY; tel. (914) 251-WINE