In the Coteaux d’Aix, Chapoutier continues to work with the Domaine des Beates. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2003 Les Beatines red offers aromas of sweet and sour cherries, dried herbs, minerals, and spice. As I have said so many times over the last 15 years, the top Chapoutier wines are meant for very long term drinking, and are not designed for immediate gratification. Everything Chapoutier is doing, from his bio-dynamically farmed vineyard to tiny yields, extended fermentations, indigenous yeasts, and no fining or filtration, is done to produce the essence of a vineyard and a vintage. His track record since 1989 and 1990 admirably proves that these are indeed remarkable wines made by a young genius who refuses to compromise. Michel Chapoutier has been misunderstood by some of his peers, and there is a lot of jealousy when someone this young is so incredibly talented, but it is an irrefutable fact that these are wines of singular greatness as well as longevity.Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

From the appellation of Coteaux d'Aix en Provence comes the2001 Les Beatines. It is more lean and austere than the 2000, but still attractive. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

From the appellation of Coteaux d'Aix en Provence comes the Les Beatines. The 2000, primarily a blend of Grenache and Syrah with a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon, is a dark ruby/purple-colored, fragrant example with aromas of sweet black cherries and white flowers. It has a Pinot Noir-like character. It comes from a vineyard planted in pure limestone, and the wine's finesse is apparent. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

The 1999 Coteaux d'Aix Les Beatines is very good, offering a dramatic perfume of Provencal herbs, cherry liqueur, and earth. This spicy, medium-bodied, fresh, Zinfandel-like offering possesses sweet fruit as well as light tannin. Anticipated maturity: now-2005. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900