Domaine l'Oratoire Saint Martin, 2005

This cuvee of Domaine l'Oratoire Saint Martin, known since the 2010 vintage as Douyes, ranks among my top 10 all-time favorites. I have been drinking it since the late 1980s, and this 2005 may be the best of the lot. It is a field blend of old vine Grenache and Mourvedre.

Medium deep crimson. Enticing bouquet of cherries, blueberries, violets and Provencal herbs. Mourvedre showing. On the palate, the Grenache is doing its part: ripe strawberries and white pepper. Fills the mouth with pleasure. Old vine nuances on the long finish. Now nearing the end of its second decade, this Cairanne is still going strong. Sadly, this is my last bottle.