This just in from Eric Solomon...

The Parker reviews came in last night during a heated match of petanque at Chateau Pesquie - and how fitting since Pesquie itself received the highest score in the Rhone report! 2005 Chateau Pesquie Quintessence - 93 Points "Pesquie's top cuvee, the 2005 Quintessence, comes from 80% old vine Syrah and 20% Grenache aged in new French oak for 12 months before being bottled with no fining or filtration. This is an opaque purple-hued, classic, cool climate Syrah from southern France. The higher elevation gives the wine great acidity as well as an extraordinary bouquet of acacia flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, tar, licorice, and spice. Deep, full-bodied, and layered, this gorgeous offering should drink beautifully for 5-7 years." 2006 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses - 90 Points "The unfined/unfiltered 2006 Les Terrasses Rouge, a custom cuvee made for American importer Eric Solomon, is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by a lovely bouquet of black currants, black cherries, licorice, smoke, roasted herbs, and melted licorice. Deep and full-bodied with velvety tannins, good acidity, and a long finish, this is a heck-of-a wine to drink over the next 4-5 years. "This is the benchmark estate for fabulous wine in the Cotes du Ventoux. Even with the weak American dollar, it can still be purchased for a song."

Other Highlights: FRANCE- 2006 Calvet-Thunevin VDP des Cotes Catalanes Cuvee Constance 91 points 2005 Chateau La Graviere Tirecul Les Pins 90 points 2006 Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Ventoux Cuvee des Terrasses 90 points 2005 Chateau Pesquie Cotes du Ventoux la Quintessence 93 points 2007 Domaine d'Andezon Cotes du Rhone Villages la Granacha Signargues 91 points 2007 Domaine Lafage Cote d'Est 90 points 2006 Domaine Lafage Cote Grenache 90 points 2007 Frederic Giachino Abymes Monfarina 92 points 2006 Philippe Cambie Cotes du Rhone Calendal 90 points 2005 Saint-Jean du Barroux Cotes du Ventoux l'Oligocene 91 points 2006 Domaine de l'Hortus (Jean Orliac) Coteaux du Languedoc Bergerie Classique Rouge 90 points 2005 Domaine du Clos des Fees Cotes Catalanes Blanc 90 points 2007 Domaine la Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine 92 points 2007 Domaine de l'Hortus (Jean Orliac) Coteaux du Languedoc Bergerie Classique Blanc 90 points 2006 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone les Garrigues (90-92) points 2005 Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone les Garrigues 92 points 2005 Domaine la Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine 91 points 2005 Domaine la Garrigue Vacqueyras 90+ points 2006 Domaine la Garrigue Vacqueyras 91 points 2006 Domaine la Soumade Cotes du Rhone les Violettes 90 points 2005 Domaine la Soumade Cotes du Rhone les Violettes 91 points

SPAIN - 2007 Bodegas Casa Castillo Monastrell 90 points 2006 Bodegas Castano Hecula 90 points 2007 Bodegas Valderroa Valdesil Godello 90 points 2007 Bodegas Mustiguillo Mestizaje 90 points 2006 Creta Creta 91 points 2006 Creta Roble 90+ points 2006 Gramona Cava Grand Cuvee 90 points 2006 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha 91 points 2006 Las Rocas de San Alejandro Garnacha Vinas Viejas 91 points 2007 Pazo de Senorans Albarino 92 points 2007 Rafael Palacios Louro Do Bolo 90 points 2006 Vinas de El Regejal El Regejal 92 points 2007 Bodegas Jimenez Landi Sotorrondero 90 points