1992 Domaine Gramenon Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Laurentides

The spectacular 1992 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Laurentides, a blend of mostly Grenache with about 25% Syrah, is aged in 50% new oak barrels. Its huge black-cherry and black-raspberry-scented, exotic nose with hints of coffee, hickory, and cedar is marvelous. A wine of exceptional definition, layers of concentrated fruit, and a lusty, wonderfully rich, mouthfilling finish, it is one of the most extraordinary wine bargains in the market. There are only a few hundred cases available for the American market, so move quickly if you want to secure any of this blockbuster Cotes du Rhone. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. For readers lucky enough to have access to the exquisite wines of Domaine Gramenon, the two 1992 offerings, the Cotes du Rhone and the Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Laurentides, are sumptuous examples of Cotes du Rhone. They are also amazing bargains as they compete with some of France's greatest wines. In 1992 there is no Cuvee Centenaire (from their 100-year old vines) as it was blended into these two cuvees. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC.