Fantastic red. Big-bodied velvety and suave with mocha spice and gorgeous ripe fruit it walks athin line between modern and traditionaldelivering mineral and i terroir n quality thanks to its great concentration. The fruit and tannins are so sweet. Tempting now. Best from 2005 through 2030. 925 cases made. –PM

The sensational opaque plum/garnet-colored 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cote Ronde displays an expansive nose of tobacco charcoal smoke kirsch liqueur and blackberries. This full-bodied large-scaled Chateauneuf possesses sweet tannin low acidity and a boatload of glycerin. Anticipated maturity: now-2016. Represented by Russell Herman Berkeley Heights NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082 various American importers including Silenus Wines Boston MA; V.O.S. Selections New York NY; Tropical Wines Pompano Beach FL; Import! Madison WI; and Elliott Bay Distributing Seattle WA.