Domaine Alary, Cotes du Rhone Cairanne Estevenas 2016, 75cl

Domaine Alary's L'Estevenas 2016 is a magnificent Cairanne from one of the Southern Rhône's finest vintages.  A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, it combines ripe blackberry, black cherry and cassis fruit with notes of cracked pepper, black olives, liquorice and Provençal herbs. Rich and full-bodied, yet beautifully balanced, with silky tannins, savoury complexity and impressive length. A wonderfully characterful Southern Rhône red, now approaching ten years of maturity.  Excellent with roast lamb, grilled beef, venison, slow-cooked casseroles or Mediterranean dishes with rosemary and thyme.

"I absolutely adored the 2016 Cairanne L'Estevenas, a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah that contains one of the oldest parcels of Syrah planted in the Southern Rhône. It offers complex aromas of cracked pepper, licorice, blueberries and black olives on the nose and is full-bodied, rich and profound on the palate, adding notes of black cherries on the silky, seductively long finish. Less than 700 cases were produced.... One of the top names in Cairanne, Domaine Alary is a must stop for fans of traditional Southern Rhône wines. There's little oak or artifice here, just impeccable farming and attention to detail in the winery.... Drink 2018-2028"  Wine Advocate, November 2018