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.