The largest production wine is the Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernardine, and the 2007 is an elegant effort displaying plenty of black cherry, raspberry, loamy soil, pepper, and mineral notes. Medium to full-bodied and pure with a lovely texture as well as an easy-to-appreciate style, it is substantial and well-balanced, suggesting it will age for 8-10 years. Michel Chapoutier fashions some terrific low-end wines that sell for a song, and in 2007, they are of exceptionally high quality. The handful of 2008s I tasted also look very good for the vintage. These are sleeper selections, especially his La Ciboise and Estubiers from the Coteaux du Tricastin.Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

(Rhône) Sweet ripe dark fruit and sour cherries, savoury, smoky minerality and spices. Almost scented. Very attractive. A bit restrained with mineral and roasted juices, meaty flavours. Superb balance with fine and ripe tannins. Long finish with lots of primary fruit and spice. Classy and stylish.