As for the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Red, this blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise shows wonderfully earthy, meaty black cherry and black currant notes with some spring flowers. The wine has good tannins, fresh acidity ( a characteristic of this vintage), and medium-bodied, pure, fresh, vibrant flavors that last on the palate. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

A fine value from Christophe Delorme is his 2003 Cotes du Rhone, a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise. A deep ruby color is accompanied by superb aromas of black raspberries, cherries, currants, dried herbs, pepper, and licorice. This ripe, medium-bodied 2003 possesses good flesh, supple tannin, and heady alcohol. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

The 2002 Cotes du Rhone rose is about as good as rose can be from this appellation. A vivid, fragrant, light ruby/salmon-colored effort, it offers a glorious smorgasbord of strawberries and framboise in an elegant, light to medium-bodied, dry, refreshing style. Enjoy it over the next 12 months. One of the world’s great winemaking estates, proprietor Christophe Delorme has taken this property to the pinnacle of quality in approximately fifteen years. Domaine de la Mordoree’s white, red, and rose wines are reference points for the southern Rhone Valley. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

The 2001 Cotes du Rhone rose, a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, and 5% Mourvedre, offers pure strawberry and cranberry fruit presented in a light-bodied, fresh, crisp style. Enjoy it over the next 6-7 months. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228

Domaine de la Mordoree's inexpensive 2000 Cotes du Rhone (a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 10% Carignan, and 5% Counoise) is a medium-bodied, fruit-driven effort with copious quantities of black cherry and berry fruit, and a subtle note of Provence in the background. Jammy and ripe, it is best drunk during its first 3-4 years of life. Importer: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel (540) 722-9228