Domaine Sainte-Anne Cotes du Rhone Villages, 2000

All of the Sainte-Anne wines, even the straight Cotes du Rhone, meet the standards for Cotes du Rhone Villages. And they all are capable of 10-plus years of aging. Compared to the Cotes du Rhone, the CDR Villages comes from older vines with lower yields. The blend is very similar--about 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah.

At 14 years of age, this CDR Villages is surprisingly youthful. Medium deep ruby, bright and clear. Ripe berry smells and flavors with aromatic herbs and spices. Smooth and somewhat full on the mid-palate. Good balance of fruit and acidity and a pleasing after taste.