The dense ruby/purple-colored 1999 Cote Rotie La Brocarde includes 10% Viognier (all from the Cote Brune) in the blend. The wine possesses noticeable, but sweet tannin, medium body, and an austere finish revealing plenty of new wood. This 1999 is disjointed and awkward, largely because of the wood and high tannin. However, there are impressive levels of extract. Francois Villard is one of the brightest lights emerging from the northern Rhone. His 1999 reds experienced 80% destemming, a three-week cuvaison, two pigeages per day, and nearly 20 months in new oak with only one racking. They were bottled without filtration. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565