The 1998 Domaine Bastide de Rodares Cotes du Luberon is an astonishing value. There are approximately 650 cases of this blend of 60% Grenache (from 40-year old vines that achieved 14.9% alcohol naturally) and 40% Syrah. The saturated blue/purple color is followed by spectacularly jammy notes of black fruits, smoke, mineral, and spice. Dense, medium to full-bodied, with thrilling purity, this layered, concentrated, immense Cotes du Luberon must be tasted to be believed. Its opulence will serve it well in its youth, but do not be surprised to see this wine improve over the next 5-6 years; it should last for a decade or more.A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42 84 38 22), various American importers, including Adventures in Wine, Daly City, CA; tel. (415) 467-0130, Atlantic Importing Co., Newton, MA; tel. (617) 965-2933, Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901, and New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625