In the Coteaux d’Aix, Chapoutier continues to work with the Domaine des Beates. The 2003 Domaine des Beates (a Syrah/Grenache blend) exhibits a deep ruby/purple color along with rich aromas of blackberries and cassis, and a medium-bodied, long, heady finish. It should drink well for 5-7 years. 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

The Domaine des Beates is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. Compared to the 2000, the 2001 reveals a cooler-climate style with higher acidity and a touch of tartness. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

The Domaine des Beates is a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2000 was slightly sweeter, richer, and riper than the 2001, with plenty of strawberry and black cherry fruit, good acidity, medium body, and no hard edges. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

The 1999 Coteaux d'Aix Domaine des Beates could turn out to be outstanding. It is a powerful, black/ ruby-colored effort with copious quantities of sweet black currant and blackberry fruit, a sense of elegance and harmony, medium to full body, low acidity, and sweet tannin. The finish is long and the wine is impressively constituted. It should last for 15 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

Very good, the dark ruby-colored 1998 Coteaux d'Aix Domaine des Beates displays saddle leather aromas and flavors, intermixed with black cherries, herbs, earth, and spice box, in addition to medium body and light tannin. It will drink well for a decade or more. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900