The real sleeper is the 2006 Cotes du Rhone Guy Louis, a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Most of this comes from the appellation of Rasteau with some Cairanne. Deep ruby/purple with a peppery nose of cassis and kirsch intermixed with spice box and meaty notes, the wine is rich, full-bodied, and gorgeously plump and opulent. Drink it over the next decade or more.Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029

Yes, the new oak characteristic of T-L wines is here, but there’s also plenty of black cherries and even a hint of garrigue lurking underneath. It’s a full-bodied Cotes-du-Rhone, with a chewiness to the fruit and a long, cedar-vanilla finish.——J.C.(12/15/2009)—— 90