2017 Domaine Roche Cairanne

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 and Syrah 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. This years release also includes a portion of Carignan. Each block is fermented separately with only the Syrah component matured in barrels and demi-muids (600 litres) for a period of 10 months.

Year after year this intensely flavoured Cairanne is one of our most sought-after Southern Rhone offerings. Tremendous depth of colour with an impenetrable inky black core and a very deep dark red black hue. Powerful ripe black cherry scents intermingle with liquorice, black raspberry and earthy incense notes. Also evident are notions of Provincial herb and peppered meats. Rich, densely textured black cherry, liquorice, blackberry and black raspberry fruits show outstanding concentration and depth. Adding further interest and complexity are earthy incense elements, dried meats, subtle infusions of herbs du Provence and blackpepper. Ripe chewy tannins lead into a dry, slightly grippy finish to complete what is otherwise a picture of opulence. Black fruits infused with blackpepper driving the long aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
I loved the classic 2017 Cairanne as well, a smoking good blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Carignan. Ripe, sexy, and opulent, with notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, and flowers, it packs serious depth and richness, all while staying pure, silky and elegant.
90-93 points
JebDunnuck.com

The 2017 Cairanne is a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Carignan. While a portion of the Syrah was aged in demi-muids, the rest of the wine matured in tank. It's a ripe, plush, concentrated wine, loaded with black cherries and plums. Full-bodied and velvety, it's impressively hedonistic stuff for drinking over the next 6-7 years. Drink 2019-2026.
90-92 points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate