2001 Cuvee Granaxa - 91/100

Grenache-based wines have an uneven record in this sector of the Languedoc , but Coupe-Roses' 2001 Minervois Cuvee Granaxa sets a new benchmark for them. Candied blackberries, pepper, garrigue, and over-ripe plums can be detected in its bold aromatics. It's impossible not to break out a broad grin when tasting this Rayas-like, lip-smackingly good effort. Boysenberries, kirsch, spicy red cherries, and cassis are found throughout its pure, expressive, medium-bodied, structured character. Supple tannin and gorgeous layers of fruit make an apparition in its lengthy, suave finish. Anticipated maturity: now-2009.

2001 Cuvee Vignals / Les plots - 90/100

Blueberries, Welch's Grape Jelly, and super-ripe plums are found in the aromatics of the 2001 Minervois Cuvee Vignals. Medium-bodied, complex, and structured, this wine's pepper-laced, spicy, deep blackberry-flavored character cries out for a thick, juicy steak. The long finish displays copious ripe tannin that will be imperceptible to carnivores (the meat's fat will conceal it). Projected maturity: now-2009.

2000 Cuvee Orience - 89/100

The black raspberry-scented, medium to dark ruby-colored 2000 Minervois Cuvee Orience is a firmly structured wine with outstanding depth of fruit and a prolonged finish. Sweet black cherries, dark raspberries, asphalt, and chocolate are found in its slightly warm (from alcohol) personality. Projected maturity: now-2009.
 
2002 La Bastide - 88/100

The medium to dark ruby-colored 2002 Minervois Cuvee la Bastide reveals a nose of freshly cracked black pepper, plums, and cherries. A fruit driven, medium-bodied wine, it is highly expressive, silky-textured, juicy, and fresh. Cassis liqueur, spices, garrigue, boysenberries, and notes of clove can be detected in its well-balanced character. Drink this wonderful value over the next 3 years.

2002 Vdp des Cotes de Brian Cuvee Champ du Roy - 88/100

Boisterous scents of well-ripened peaches as well as apricots explode from the glass of the boldly aromatic and flavored 2002 Vin de Pays des Cotes de Brian Cuvee Champ du Roy. This rich, satin-textured, medium-bodied effort is well-balanced and jam-packed with fruit. Loads of peaches, flowers, and red berries make up its assertive, friendly personality. This terrific aperitif wine is an excellent value that should be consumed over the next 1-2 years. Boisterous scents of well-ripened peaches as well as apricots explode from the glass of the boldly aromatic and flavored 2002 Vin de Pays des Cotes de Brian Cuvee Champ du Roy. This rich, satin-textured, medium-bodied effort is well-balanced and jam-packed with fruit. Loads of peaches, flowers, and red berries make up its assertive, friendly personality. This terrific aperitif wine is an excellent value that should be consumed over the next 1-2 years.