2006 Cairanne, Haut-Coustias, Domaine de L'Oratoire St-Martin
The showcase for the Domaine's old vine Mourvèdre is given an extra years élevage on account of its structure and intensity. Inky in the glass, with characters of dusky berry fruit, black olive and herbs on the nose. Not lacking in substance, this wine shows a pleasing roundness, with fine tannins and a freshness that offsets its evident weight. There is almost a liquorice-like sweetness to the spiced berry fruit. Long and persistent, it is not hard to see why this Domaine ranks as the finest in the appellation.