2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Les Sinards

From a property located close to Beaucastel's estate vineyards comes the 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Sinards. A classic, Grenache-based Chateauneuf, it displays notes of licorice, kirsch liqueur, lavender, and spice box. Deep, full-bodied, fruit-driven but dense and layered, it should drink well for 10-12 years. This negociant is becoming a terrific source for value-priced southern Rhone wines that are faithful to their appellations of origin. Feb 2003, www.robertparker.com

(this includes the young vines from Chateau de Beaucastel, as well as purchased fruit) Moderately saturated ruby-red. Roasted strawberry, herbs, caramel and a whiff of heat on the nose; seems a bit more evolved than either the Vacqueyras or the Gigondas. Ripe and accessible in the mouth, with fruit coulis flavors. Finishes with substantial, even tannins and a lightly peppery aspect. These three wines, scheduled to be bottled in early 2002, show more typicity than previous vintages bottled under the Perrin label. The Perrin wines are made at Le Grand Prebois, located just outside the Chateauneuf du Pape perimeter and not far from the family's Chateau de Beaucastel.