Domaine Oratoire Saint Martin Haut Coustias, 2007

I have been a big fan of Domaine Oratoire Saint Martin's Cairanne for many years, but this Haut Coustias bottling has always been a bit pricey for my wine budget. A fortunate auction bid got me this bottle at a good discount to the regular price, and I decided tonight that it is well worth a premium price.

Very dark for a Cairanne. The cuvee is about 60% Mourvedre plus 20% Grenache and 20% Syrah from very old vines and great soil. Beautiful scents of blueberries, violets and aromatic herbs. Equally luscious on the palate, ripe and lovely in the middle with a reasonably long finish featuring dark cherry and spice. At a good stage for drinking right now but should hold for several more years.