Domaine Brusset Les Chabriles Vieilles Vignes Cairanne, 2014

This is classic Carianne, one of my favorite appellations in the Southern Rhone. Brusset is one of several fine estates in Cairanne, and Les Chabriles is truly old vine: 60% Grenache from vineyards planted 1915-918 and 40% Syrah from vines planted in the mid-1960s.

Deep crimson, much darker than I expect from Cairanne, but then the cuvee has 40% Syrah. Intense Southern Rhone bouquet from the moment the cork is popped. The Syrah makes its presence felt with dark fruits and black pepper but there is plenty of Grenache cherry and red berry. Medium weight. The tannic backbone is always present, but it is friendly, fruit-filled and balanced nicely by an acidic edge. Good fruit definition on the finish. The label says can be cellared for 10 years, and, at age 9, it is doing quite well. If I had more, I would be in no hurry to drink them.