Jacques Coipel worked in the petrol industry until 2002 when he decided to change career paths and enter the wine business. He purchased an exceptional site in the Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages Cru of Valréas. His vineyards sit at around 1,200 feet, with a mix of clay, limestone and gravel making up the soils. With cooling winds from the north combined with this higher altitude, there is a crispness to the wines, showing more red fruit qualities in the reds and more vibrant apple tones in the whites. Around the same time, Jacques's son, Julien, began studying winemaking, working in Switzerland and New Zealand (with Te Mata, one of our favorites). Julien returned to St-Croix in 2010 and began working on the wine with his father. Julien's lighter but more technical touch makes for wines that are great expressions of the Valréas terroir. The "Tendresse" is equal parts Grenache and Syrah with notes of raspberry coulis, ripe cherries, and aromas of alder wood. The wine picks up density and weight as it opens, showing more peppery and Asian spices and sweeter riper fruit. This is a polished Côtes-du-Rhône with a beautiful rhythm that will continue to evolve in your glass. Right now, it is perfect for all grilled fare, whether it be some savory spiced lamb chops or herb-crusted pork chops.