Even better, and a real sleeper of the vintage, is their outstanding 2010 Cotes du Rhone. By far the best Cotes du Rhone I have tasted from the Usseglios, this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre, from a vineyard just outside of Chateauneuf du Pape in the southern sector, has a dark ruby/purple color, more structure as well as more fruit and extract than usual, and a deep, Provencal nose of lavender, licorice, roasted herbs and lots of black cherry and blueberry fruit. This is a terrific Cotes du Rhone that should drink nicely for 3-4 years. One of the top estates in Chateauneuf du Pape is that of the two brothers Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio. Their cellars are just north of the village, adjacent to the walls of the ruins of the pope’s palace. They have nearly 60 acres under vine, and make three cuvees of red wines in the top vintages. Their classic or traditional cuvee is made from a blend of mostly Grenache, with some Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre. Their mostly unoaked, tank-fermented and -aged Mon Aieul comes from very old vines (about 85 years of age) and tiny yields, while their cuvee Des Deux Freres leans in a slightly more modern direction for Chateauneuf du Pape, with 50% of it now aged in small barrels, 20% in tank, and 30% in 600-liter demi-muids. Importer: Alain Junguenet, Wines of France, Mountainside, NJ; tel. (908) 654-6173