Duboeuf's 1991s, from one of the finest Beaujolais vintages in the last twenty years, are still in the pipeline. The richer wines will last for another several years -uncommonly long for Beaujolais. As I indicated above, the marketplace for Beaujolais tends to jump into the new vintage, forgetting older vintages. In most cases this makes good sense, as most Beaujolais should be consumed within 2 years of the vintage. However, 1991 was a stunning Beaujolais vintage. Duboeuf considers it one of the finest in decades. Because stocks of some of the biggest and richest 1991s remain available at the wholesale and retail levels, I thought updated tasting notes (March, 1993) might provide another incentive for readers to latch onto a few dazzling examples of 1991 Beaujolais.Rhone wine enthusiasts might consider buying the 1991 Cotes du Rhone-Domaine des Moulins by the case. Over 4,000 cases were imported to the United States, so there should be no problem finding this wine. This vineyard's old vines have produced a 1991 that tastes like a 1990. It is black/purple-colored, with a huge nose of truffles, black-raspberries, and licorice. With spectacular intensity on the palate, medium to full body, and unbelievable concentration, this voluptuously textured, rich wine possesses enough extract and tannin to last for another 7-10 years. Made from a blend of 15% Syrah, 60% Grenache, and the rest Mourvedre, it is a must buy. It sells for $6 a bottle. Amazing! Importers: William Deutsch and Sons, Chappaqua, NY and Wine Sellers, Skokie, IL.

Duboeuf's Cotes du Rhone estates include the Domaine des Moulins, of which the 1990 is a surprisingly dark ruby, nearly black-colored wine with great extract, unexpected density, and a rich, chewy, full style that is a result of low yields (40-45 hectoliters per hectare) and the blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. If you are a follower of Duboeuf's wines, you know they generally favor elegance rather than power, but this offering is atypically rich, powerful and dramatic. Importers: William Deutsch and Sons, Chappaqua, NY and Wine Sellers, Skokie, IL.