Domaine Sainte-Anne Cotes du Rhone, 2005

I've been drinking and enjoying Domaine Sainte Anne's Cotes du Rhone wines from 1998, 1999 and 2000 and still have a good supply. For a change of pace, I decided to dip into one of the "younger" vintages--2005. For Domaine Sainte-Anne, 2005 is young; for other Cotes du Rhones, of course, it is an "older" vintage.

Deep ruby color. Both the aromas and flavors are less ripe and more complex than the 1998s and 2000s--very nice. Berries, garrigue, spice. Good fruit concentration but elegant on the mid-palate and finish. Tannins are present but not obtrusive; 13% alcohol is just right.