Domaine Sainte-Anne Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint Gervais, 2005

I bought a lot of Domaine Sainte-Anne wines from the 1998 to the 2006 vintages, and they have given me a great deal of pleasure over the years. My favorite of the Sainte-Anne bottlings is this Mourvedre-rich Saint Gervais, and this 2005 has aged beautifully.

Still deep and dark with some bluish tints, probably from the Mourvedre. I don't think much new oak was used at Sainte-Anne at this time. Cherries, berries, Mourvedre spice and violets. Bold flavors, reminds me of a good Gigondas. Lovely ripe, red berry finish that lingers for several minutes. The 2004 Saint Gervais was over the hills a year or two ago; the 2005 has plenty in the tank.