Monday, April 15, 2013

Domaine Sainte Anne, Cotes du Rhone, 2004

This 2004 Domaine Sainte Anne is less ripe than the 1998, 1999 and 2000 from the estate that I've been drinking. And I like that quality.

Deep ruby. Smells of plums, dark cherries, spice and earth rather than the usual blueberries and cream. Plenty of garrigue too. Firm, dry--even a little tart--on the palate. Reminds me of the 2004 Rabasse Charavin Cairanne--high praise. I like the 2004 Southern Rhone vintage; it's a welcome change from the ripe and riper vintages that have been coming at us year after year--1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2007 and so on.. Ripeness is fine...but not as a steady diet.

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