b'CHTEAU LA CROIX DES PINSESTABLISHED: 2010OWNERS: Jean-Pierre Valade & Eric PetitjeanWINEMAKER: Jean-Pierre ValadeLOCATION: Southern Rhne, FranceCOMMUNE: MazanSIZE OF THE ESTATE: 89 acresStrategically sheltered from the mistral winds between two mountain ranges, Mont Ventoux and the Dentelles de Montmirail, the Ventoux vines are situated in Mazan (Vaucluse County) in a natural reserve in an area classified Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.Cool evenings from the windy Mont Ventoux chills these warm vineyards giving the wines an exceptional freshness. Organic since 1998 under previous ownership, they are pioneers in the region for organic farming.WearebeyondbullishontheVentoux,whichisjust northeast, on the right bank of the Rhne River, an hour from Avignon. We think the value for money in the wines here is amongst the best in the world right now. Trust us, the USA will get excited when they learn about the Ventoux.TheFrenchpressandsommeliersarealloverthis appellation, but its still an in-the-know secret here. The value for money in the Trois Village range is amazing. Thewineshaveextraordinaryverveandlife.One impressed us more than the last.17'