The 2000 Cote Rotie La Londonne possesses a deep ruby/purple color in addition to complex aromatics of earth, flowers, black currant fruit, and new oak. Some of the vintage's hollowness emerges in the mid-palate, but the finish is well-balanced with sweet tannin, ripe fruit, and low acidity. However, this is not the type of vintage where the wines eventually fill out as yields were too high. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2014. Beginning with the 1997 vintage, this firm has made remarkable progress with their Cote Rotie program. The cuvaison lasts twenty days, and Jacques Granges believes in several pigeages (punching down) a day, with pump overs as well. This is a good commercial example. The significant difference in quality between the outstanding 1999 northern Rhone vintage and the above average yet essentially correct 2000 is dramatically evidenced in Delas's wines. The 2000 red offerings reveal charming ripeness, but also the vintage's softness, lightness, and lack of depth. Importer: Maison Marques et Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 286-2000.