2012 Domaine Roche Cairanne Cotes du Rhone Villages

Since the 17th century , the Roche family history has been bound to Cairanne, one of the most notorious villages in the Southern Rhone. 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 a dark red hue. Lifted aromas of ripe black cherries and black raspberries are intermixed with some liquorice and incense followed by lightly scorched earth and pepper end notes. Medium to full bodied with superb richness, a fleshy mouthfeel and excellent structural qualities the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of ripe black cherries intertwined with blackberries and liquorice over background nuances of meaty characters, scorched earth and pepper. Dry, slightly grippy finish with solidly built yet fine grained tannins, showing more structure than previous vintages. Excellent length finishing with a long black cherry, liquorice, blackberry, subtle scorched earth and pepper aftertaste.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 14.5%