Domaine Sainte-Anne Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint Gervais, 2000

 Cotes du Rhone Villages wines generally do not age beyond 10 or 12 years. But wines from Domaine Sainte-Anne, particularly the Saint Gervais, with its high level of Mourvedre, have a reputation for long aging. Even so, I was a bit skeptical about this wine since my last two bottles from the 2004 vintage were well past their prime. No problem; the 2000 is still singing.

Deep crimson/ruby. Beautiful scents of violets, red and black fruits, Mourvedre spice. Rich fruit on the mid-palate, ripe fruit and skin tannins but no sign of new oak. Mellow red fruit finish. This cuvee now sells for $25 to $30 but is still good value at that price.