A sleeper of the vintage, the 2009 Vin de Pays, a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and the rest Counoise, Syrah and Mourvedre, exhibits a deep ruby color, full body and delicious floral, red berry, dusty, peppery notes. This luscious red is ideal for drinking over the next 3-4 years. This is the home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, who has been producing the wines of Rayas since 1997. A relatively large estate of nearly 100 acres, Domaine des Tours fashions some remarkable value priced reds and whites.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Made in a similar styleas the 2007 Vin de Pays blanc, the 2006 Vin de Pays blanc reveals slightly more evolved aromatics. The home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, these are idiosyncratic, but often terrific wines that tend to reveal tremendous vintage variation. However, Reynaud nailed both 2005 and 2007 with his whites and reds, which include some sensational values.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400