Fifteen miles east of Aix is Domaine Richeaume, snug up against the jagged limestone flank of Mont Sainte-Victoire. The domaine was founded in 1972 by Henning Hoesch, an historian and classical cellist with an environmental bent, and from the beginning he farmed along strict organic principals. Hoesch was also one of the first in the region to plant Cabernet Sauvignon. Some 35+ years later organic farming is all the rage and Cabernet Sauvignon is now a staple in Provence. The domaine is now run by Henning's son Sylvain, who worked and learned along Paul Draper at Ridge Winery in 1996 and again in 2000. The domaine encompasses 200 acres of land, devoted to the vine, olive orchards, grains and pasture area for sheep. Manure from the sheep is composted with other organic material grown on the farm, then spread in the vineyards and orchards. The Cuvée Tradition is composed of roughly equal parts Cabernet and Grenache, and sometimes a touch of syrah. The idea behind this now classis blend is to combine the masculine austerity of Cabernet with the feminine opulence of Grenache. The resulting wine is dark an rich (the Cabernet notes soar) with lovely aromatics, and full sumptuous flavors.