The softest, most accessible is the 2006 Cornas Champelrose. Its dark ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of damp earth, truffles, graphite, black cherries, and black currants. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin and a lush, forward style, it should drink well for 10-12 years. Domaine Courbis appears to have an enlightened winemaking style, using some small oak casks and picking ripe fruit, but never losing the typicity one expects of these wines. Brothers Laurent and Dominique Courbis are avid believers in terroir, and the top cuvees are named after their respective vineyards. There are three vineyard designated wines from Cornas, all from well-known lieux-dits, that are more similar than dissimilar. The 2007s are lighter than the richer 2006s. 2006 is a strong vintage in Cornas, and Domaine Courbis has produced three excellent wines. Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082

The softest, most accessible is the 2006 Cornas Champelrose. Its dark ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of damp earth, truffles, graphite, black cherries, and black currants. Medium-bodied with sweet tannin and a lush, forward style, it should drink well for 10-12 years. Domaine Courbis appears to have an enlightened winemaking style, using some small oak casks and picking ripe fruit, but never losing the typicity one expects of these wines. Brothers Laurent and Dominique Courbis are avid believers in terroir, and the top cuvees are named after their respective vineyards. There are three vineyard designated wines from Cornas, all from well-known lieux-dits, that are more similar than dissimilar. The 2007s are lighter than the richer 2006s. 2006 is a strong vintage in Cornas, and Domaine Courbis has produced three excellent wines.Importer: Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082