Domaine de la Janasse Cotes du Rhone, 2005

I paid a premium for this 2005 Cotes du Rhone because Domaine de la Janasse is a well known producer of very good Chateauneuf du Pape. While it's always been a very enjoyable wine, it has not aged as gracefully as the 2005 Grand Prieur Cotes du Rhone described below.

It's a medium deep ruby--darker than the Grand Prieur but with considerably more bricking. The rich fruit is still front and center--blueberries, blackberries and dark cherries plus a hint of smoke. A mellow Cotes du Rhone blend, but the Syrah (35%) and Carignan (10%) seem to be dominating the Grenache (55%), Cinsault (5%) and Mourvedre (5%) at this point in time. All dark fruits, ripe and lovely, but without the complex, subtle elements that the Grand Prieur has attained with maturity. No secrets here. And on the second night, the fruit flavors start to break up, and the alcohol (14%) becomes more apparent. Still good but not a wine for keeping.