Another of my favorite estates in the up-and-coming Cotes du Ventoux appellation, Pesquie’s inexpensive 2009 Terrasses is a custom cuvee put together by American importer Eric Solomon. Composed of 70% Grenache (from 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah (from 30-year-old vines), aged in neutral oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered, this 10,000-case cuvee hits every sweet spot on the palate. Tasting more like a Chateauneuf du Pape than an inexpensive Cotes du Ventoux, this dense ruby/purple-colored wine offers up scents of licorice, black cherries, raspberries, pepper, and meat juices. Medium to full-bodied with a structured, well-delineated mouthfeel, good freshness, a heady finish, and firm, but well-balanced tannins, it should drink nicely for 2-3 years. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565; fax (704) 358-1797

Pesquie’s entry-level red is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, aged in a combination of tank and used oak. The result boasts dark fruit notes of blackberry and plum, but also hints of savory leather and spice. It’s medium bodied, with a firmness to the finish that suggests it should hold nicely for 3–4 years.——J.C.(12/15/2011)—— 88