Domaine du Grand Prieur Cotes du Rhone, 2005

This, I believe, is my final bottle of a case of the 2005 Grand Prieur. In the past, I've always consumed the wine during the first year or two, but this 2005 has held up well with the extra cellar time. The color is deeper and darker than the Londer Pinot Noir (not unexpected due to the Syrah in the blend), and the wine is pleasantly fragrant--berries, plums, cherries and only a hint of smoke. (In this case, the smoke probably derives from barrel aging and not from forest fires). Flavors are beautiful as they download on the palate--ripe strawberries and red licorice, followed by a hint of pepper and spice. I wouldn't push this wine any longer, but it's drinking quite well tonight for a mature Cotes du Rhone.