This is our only cave cooperative wine and we choose it at a Paris wine fair because it stood out so far above all the other wines.  We went to visit the cave in the Fitou region, the oldest appellation in the Languedoc, between the Corbières hills and the Mediterranean.  This wine is so delicious because all of the local grape growers have to prune their vines to reduce yields, and they must harvest their grapes by hand to be included in this cuvée.  The Carignan and Grenache grapes thrive on the tough, arid, and windy schist hillsides.  The Carignan is strong and frames the wine beautifully while the Grenache gives roundness, flexibility and elegance.  The Syrah grapes are located in the cooler areas in higher elevations bringing fruit aromas and a sense of freshness.  The Carignan and Syrah are vinified using carbonic maceration and then the Syrah is aged 9 months in new 300 liter French oak.  The Grenache is fermented traditionally in stainless steel tanks.  The result is fabulous- tannins that are sturdy but soft and the finish is wonderfully rich and elegant.  Drink now or wait a few years.