The Les Cailloux 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the rest Syrah and other permitted grape varieties) may be the finest regular cuvee produced at this estate, even eclipsing the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape. A beautiful deep, plum/garnet color is followed by notes of ripe figs, licorice, tobacco leaf, sweet herbs, pepper and sumptuous quantities of kirsch and blacker fruits. Intense and full-bodied with silky tannins as well as a plump, sexy, voluptuous style, it begs for consumption now and over the next 10-15 years. Rated (95). ‑ Robert Parker The Wine Advocate Issue 197, October, 2011

The exquisite Andre Brunel 2009 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Sommelongue exhibits a dark plum color along with aromas and flavors of prunes, figs, garrigue and black cherry jam presented in a luscious, hedonistic style displaying lots of Provencal complexity. This sumptuous Cotes du Rhone over-delivers for its price point. Rated 90. ‑ Robert Parker The Wine Advocate Issue 197, October, 2011

The Domaine du Montmirail covers more than 35 hectares planted exclusively on the hillsides and terraces, known locally as banquettes on the southern slope of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail, at the foot of the very rock face. It is a superb site, dominated by granite cliffs nearly a hundred meters in height. The vines benefit from a remarkably sunny exposure while being sheltered from the dominant Mistral wind. The elevation of the vineyards varies between 300 and 350 meters, among the highest in Gigondas. The cuvée Les Deux Juliettes Vieilles Vignes is named after the daughters of the producer, Yves Chéron, and the importer, Charles Neal, and both of whom are named Juliette. It is produced from 80% Grenache (from 45 to 55-year-old vines), 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre (from 20-year-old vines), all hand-harvested. The yield is tiny at just over two tons an acre (33 hl/ha). The wine gives up-front aromas of kirsch, stone fruits, licorice, pepper, baking spices and maybe a touch of violet; supple in texture and with some real elegance, but building in body and potency on the tongue toward a long and satisfying finish.

The Domaine des Coteaux des Travers (literally, the 'domaine of the slopes on the side of the rising sun') is owned by Robert Charavin and is based in Rasteau. They also own several parcels totalling some 4 hectares (about 10 acres) of vines in neighboring Cairanne. The plots themselves are spread out and are varied in terms of soils (sand, clay/limestone, red and rocky). The vines are old, averaging 40 to 60 years, and yield some meager 35 hectolitres per hectare, that is, just over two tons per acre. The grapes are destemmed; fermentation is in tank for 15 days, with daily punch downs which bring more structure and aroma to the wine. And although the wine would age gracefully for four to six years, its deliciousness now may preclude its reaching such a ripe old age; powerful aromas of wild myrtle, cherry and plum; full-bodied, sure, satisfying, potent even, yet finesseful; superb choice with most any sort of roasted meat or fat or aged cheese.

Dominated by 80% Grenache, with the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, this wine has a deep ruby/purple-tinged color to the rim, a big, spicy, peppery, kirsch-scented nose, and medium-bodied, juicy flavors, with intriguing minerality and loads of fruit and texture. This is a very serious Cotes du Rhone that should drink nicely for 3-4 years. Rated 89. ‑ Robert M. Parker, Jr.'s The Wine Advocate Issue 191, October, 2010

Produce from 50% Syrah from Visan together with 50% Grenache from Saint-Gervais at PERRIN et Fils’ Château du Grand Prébois at Orange in the southern Côtes-du-Rhône, utilizing the same viticultural and vinification techniques as at their very own Château de Beaucastel, nearby at Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Maceration and fermentation are carried out in concrete; the wine is then matured in a combination of large oak and concrete and bottled after an egg-white fining. Dark ruby to deeper purple in color; classic southern Rhône valley aromas of macerated cherries and berries, spice, reglisse, and a delicate sense of the garrigue with subtle hints of sun-roasted herbs, say rosemary and thyme; silken-textured on entry, then full-bodied and generous on the tongue with gentle grip of broad chalky tannins and a pleasing freshness of flavor to the finish. As they say chez PERRIN, "If you like Côtes-du-Rhône, you’ll love Côtes-du-Rhône Villages." Regularly $11.99 the bottle, on sale now at:

From the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Produce of Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Ugni Blanc grown in the cool vineyards of the Côtes du Luberon, this is essentially the same quality of wine one might reasonably expect from a good southern Côtes-du-Rhône white. Aromatically inviting; cool, clean, refreshingly fruity, wholly gulpable, then crisp and dry on the finish. We lovingly call it our "chicken wine" on account of the chickens on the label (La Vieille Ferme translates to "The Old Farm"). Best jug wine we know of either side of the Atlantic. And, at its very modest price, its a darn good choice for budget recovery wine, too! Regularly $11.99 the jug, on sale now at:

Produce of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 15% Cinsault from vines planted on the slopes of Mont Ventoux in the southern Rhône Valley. Aromas redolent of berries and spice; full-bodied and fruity, with soft rounded tannins and a lasting flavor. Priced for everyday consumption, but delivering a good deal more than everyday quality. Noted wine critic Robert Parker has recently called it a "terrific bargain." Well, yeah! Regularly $11.99 the jug, on sale now at: