2009 Cotes du Rhone Villages Garrigues

The old-vine 100% Grenache cuvee, the 2009 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues (from 80- to 90-year-old vines) is sensational. Gorgeous levels of garrigue, kirsch, creosote, licorice, damp earth and lavender are all present in this dense ruby/purple wine. Topping the scales at 15.4% alcohol, this is a blockbuster Cotes du Rhone to drink over the next 7-8 years. (By the way, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone Les Garrigues is absolutely out of this world at present, should anyone still have some.) This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

A totally bombastic, thrill ride of a Côtes du Rhône, the 2009 Domaine de la Janasse Les Garrigues (100% Grenache from a single plot of 80+ year old vines) delivers a gorgeous kirsch liqueur-like quality to go with notions of licorice, rolled stone minerality, and loads of spice-box nuances on the nose. Full-bodied, exuberant, and ripe, yet also finely built, lightly textured, and beautifully proportioned, this gorgeous 2009 will stand toe to toe with any number of more prestigious Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Already accessible and delicious, it should continue to shine for upwards of a decade.