The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile is a magnificent effort from the galets roules soils just behind Chateau Beaucastel, across the border of Chateauneuf du Pape. Huge notes of black raspberries, forest floor, truffles, roasted meats, bouquet garni, black raspberries and black currants jump from a glass of this powerful, rich, concentrated wine. With excellent acidity, sweet tannin and amazing concentration for a Cotes du Rhone-Villages, it should drink well for 6-8 years. Domaine de la Janasse is one of the great winemaking estates of not only France, but of the world. It is situated adjacent to the Auto Route de Soleil opposite Chateauneuf du Pape, at the entrance to the village of Courthezon. Janasse is managed by Christophe Sabon and his sister, Isabelle. Although their father is technically retired, he is still a visible as well as spiritual presence at this superb estate. Janasse owns over 40 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape as well as significant holdings in the Cotes du Rhone appellations. The consistency at this estate since the mid-1990s has been remarkable. Year in and year out, the wines, both reds and whites, are among the finest one will find ... anywhere! 2011 is consistently a top vintage at Janasse, even though it is by no means a great vintage in the southern Rhone, and their prodigious 2010s compete with their remarkable array of 2007s and 2009s. First, the 2011s, a challenging year that depended on vignerons making strict selections, not only in the vineyard, but also on the triage tables. Sabon has certainly done that. Janasse’s white Chateauneuf du Papes are fascinating as Sabon is one of the last producers to still do a 100% malolactic fermentation and no filtration. 2010 rivals 2007 as the two greatest vintages I have ever tasted at Domaine de la Janasse (and I’ve been tasting their wines for over two decades). Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

The amazing 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile may be just as good as the 2007. A black/ruby color is followed by abundant aromas of cassis, blackberries, black cherries, licorice and a hint of charcoal. The wine possesses good acidity, a full-bodied mouthfeel and terrific precision. It is a big wine that should age well for up to a decade. (Not yet released)This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones.Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565