Another winner, the 2009 Cotes du Rhone is primarily Grenache blended with some Cinsault and Syrah. It possesses classic Grenache notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, lavender, pepper and smoky Provencal herbs as well as a full-bodied, voluptuous, textured, large-scaled personality, and a decade of ageability. This is the home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, who has been producing the wines of Rayas since 1997. A relatively large estate of nearly 100 acres, Domaine des Tours fashions some remarkable value priced reds and whites.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

A sleeper of the vintage, the 2008 Cotes du Rhone is one of the finest Cotes du Rhones of the vintage. Exhibiting loads of strawberry and kirsch fruit intertwined with licorice, bouquet garni and sandy, loamy soil notes, it should drink nicely for 3-4 years. At his home estate, Emmanuel Reynaud (who has been producing the Rayas wines since 1997) has nearly 100 acres of vineyards from which he makes a wonderful array of value-priced reds and whites.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Bigger and deeper, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone exhibits a light color as well as enormous quantities of kirsch liqueur, an endearing texture, and broad, savory flavors. A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 15% Counoise, it should put on weight as it ages, and last for 7-8 years. The home estate of Emmanuel Reynaud, these are idiosyncratic, but often terrific wines that tend to reveal tremendous vintage variation. However, Reynaud nailed both 2005 and 2007 with his whites and reds, which include some sensational values.Importer: Martine’s Wines, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400