2011 Domaine Roche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages

It seems there are no limits to the energy and abilities of Rhone Ranger, Philippe Cambie. The man was proclaimed Oenologist of the Year 2010 by Robert Parker Jr, as a testimony to his performance as a consultant for many top names in the Southern Rhone and other parts of Europe, but also for his own projects (we have already featured - amongst others - the magnificent 'Halos de Jupiter' range, a partnership established with Michel Gassie to showcase the beauty of Grenache). Since the 17th century , the Roche family history has been bound to Cairanne, one of the most notorious villages in the Southern Rhone.

A delicious, richly textured Rhone that offers hedonistic drinking.

Romain Roche is now in charge of perpetuating the family philosophy and their "all in the vineyards" approach to their profession. The grapes for the Cairanne come from a selection of naturally low yielding Grenache (70%) and Syrah (30%) vines between 40 and 105 years of age, within two distinct terroirs. The Grenache grows on the red clays and "Galets" of the Guarrigues plateau, while the Syrah comes from the Marly slopes of "La Montagne" with a northern exposure. Each block is fermented separately with only the Syrah component matured in barrels and demi-muids (600 litres) for a period of 10 months.

Opaque black dark red colour with dark red hue. Nosing reveals intense aromas of ripe black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice followed by some meatiness and spice. Full bodied and lush the palate boasts new world opulence and richness with mouthfilling flavours of black cherry, black raspberry, ripe blackberry and liquorice which overlay some meaty earth like qualities and spice. Velvet smooth tannins with long ripe black raspberry, black cherry, liquorice, subtle meatiness and spice aftertaste.
Drink this exuberant offering over the next 3-4 years (2013-2017).
Alc 15%