Domaine du Vieux Chene Cotes du Rhone Villages, Cuvee Beatrice, 2006

I am a big fan of Domaine du Vieux Chene; even the Vin de Pays wines that I reported on earlier are very high quality and ageworthy. This is my first try of the Cuvee Beatrice, which is named after the co-owner Beatrice Bouche. Often 100% Syrah, Cuvee Beatrice, according to the label, is 50% Syrah, 50% Grenache in the 2006 vintage. At this stage of development, though, the Syrah seems very dominant. Dark in color and dark tones on the nose and palate. Cherries, both sweet and sour, plus cinnamon and red spices. A bit young, if anything, right now, but the tannins are ripe and leave no hard edges. Not a quaffer. Has some size and requires concentration to appreciate all the nuances.