(Not yet released)An offering worth noting is this sweetie. Although it will not be released for another year, the 2000 Coufis de Paille (200 cases) is produced from Viognier picked from the Ardeche property of Chapoutier's assistant, Alberic Mazoyer, and kept on straw mats for several months before being crushed and fermented. It possesses remarkable acidity for this cuvee as well as an amber color and exquisite flavors. Still incredibly primary, it appears to be a mid-90 point rarity that will enthrall nectar lovers.Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900

All of Chapoutier's 1996 white wines were made from small yields, and all possess more acidity than normal, but they are generally dominated by their respective terroirs. It is hard to believe a vin de pays from l'Ardeche could be as good as the 1995 and 1996 Coufis. The 1996 Viognier Coufis VDP l'Ardeche is a sweet, honeyed style of Viognier with copious quantities of peach and pear-like fruit presented in an unctuously thick style.

It is hard to believe a vin de pays from l'Ardeche could be as good as the 1995 and 1996 Coufis. The 1995 Viognier Coufis VDP l'Ardeche (only 1,000 bottles produced) is even better than the 1996. It is extremely sweet, but gorgeously ripe, concentrated, and focused. It is a nectar-like Viognier dessert wine to drink by itself or with fruit tarts.