One of the least expensive offerings in this portfolio is the pleasant, 100% Grenache cuvee of 2003 Coteaux du Tricastin La Ciboise. Medium-bodied with plenty of cherry fruit as well as some gritty tannin in the finish, it can be served chilled if desired. Not far from the Rhone Valley, Coteaux du Tricastin is a relatively new appellation. Begun in1961, largely by French citizens who returned to France after the civil war in Algeria, Chapoutier believes this region has potential, and certainly this wine reflects his assessment. 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