Camille Cayran Cotes du Rhone Villages Cairanne La Reserve, 2004

Now this is Cairanne the way I like it! The color is a medium to light crimson--no blue tones. Aromas and flavors are rich with red and black fruits, red and black licorice (mostly red); the wine has the trademark Cairanne blueberry sweetness plus pepper, spice, sour cherries and garrigue. All the Cairanne goodness shines through as it should, leaving a good impression on the back of the palate. While lacking the complexity and depth of a Domaine l'Oratoire Saint Martin wine, Camille Cayran is drinking well right now and would be my choice over Domaine du Boisson (see note below). I'm sure that many tasters, more familiar with international-styled wines, would prefer the Boisson.