The 2001 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre Olive Hill (31%, 41% and 28% respectively) is aged completely in French oak, of which about 30% is new. A super effort, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a fragrant bouquet of cigar box intermixed with blackberries, currants, spice, pepper, and a touch of vanilla. Well-delineated and pure, with a sweet, expansive mid-palate, and a long, concentrated, full-bodied finish, it will last for a decade or more. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

From an 80+ year old Grenache vineyard, the 2001 Grenache Old Vines cuvee (aged 12 months in used French wood) tips the scales at 15.5% alcohol, but you would never know that when tasting it. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by a big, candied black cherry and currant-scented nose intermixed with notes of licorice and earth. The flavors add a touch of white pepper to the concoction. Fat, expansive, and lush, this hedonistic fruit bomb possesses terrific purity as well as a long, concentrated finish. Yummy! Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283