The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah) was aged in foudre for 15-18 months, and totally destemmed. It offers a deep ruby/purple color in addition to aromas of black currants, cherries, dried Provencal herbs, and licorice. Layered, sweet, accessible, and plump, this succulent effort was produced from the estate's younger vines (25-30 years). It should drink well for 10-15 years. Kudos to Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, Wine Advocate wine personalities of the year in 2001! Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

The 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah) was aged in foudre for 15-18 months, and totally destemmed. It offers a deep ruby/purple color in addition to aromas of black currants, cherries, dried Provencal herbs, and licorice. Layered, sweet, accessible, and plump, this succulent effort was produced from the estate's younger vines (25-30 years). It should drink well for 10-15 years. Kudos to Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, Wine Advocate wine personalities of the year in 2001!Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173

Complex, but not very deep or hard to understand. Delicious, with leather, game, plum and black fruit. Medium- to full-bodied, with supple enough tannins to drink nicely on release. Should be a great match with Peking duck. Drink now through 2010. 3,330 cases made. -PM

Good finesse in this sleek, medium-bodied red. Black fruit, leather, game and smoke. Turns a bit chewy on the tannic finish. Bitter, dark chocolate flavors on the aftertaste. Best from 2004 through 2010. 665 cases made. -PM