The 2000 Reserve Cuvee, is a blend of 35% Mourvedre, 26% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 14% Counoise. This 4,800-case offering does an impressive job of emulating a full-throttle southern Rhone red produced in California. A saturated black/purple color is followed by aromas of licorice, roasted herbs, meats, blackberries, and cassis. It is intense and full-bodied, with sweet tannin, and impressive concentration. The Mourvedre component will undoubtedly cause this wine to tighten up after bottling, and will provide 10-15 years of aging potential. It is no shy wine at 15% alcohol, but it is well-hidden beneath the wealth of fruit and extract. This is the most impressive wine yet made by Tablas Creek, and a clear sign that they are going to be a serious producer among the band of producers dedicated to grapes from southern France known as the Rhone Rangers. Tel. 805-237-1231; Fax 805-237-1314

The 1999 Reserve Cuvee is a blend of 40% Mourvedre, 27% Grenache, 23% Syrah, and 10% Counoise. It exhibits a dense purple color as well as a sweet perfume of blackberries, leather, licorice, earth, and pepper. Elegant, rich, medium to full-bodied, and ripe, with nicely integrated tannin, it will drink well for a decade or more.Tel. 805-237-1231; Fax 805-237-1314