Muscled up and powerful, with graham cracker aromas and deep, saturated black fruit. For a Southern Rhône red, this has all you could ask for. The palate is sweet, ripe and meaty, with oozing black plum and berries framed perfectly by simple yet tasty oak. And the finish is snappy and lively, yet tannic and rich. The full package, with size and stature. Editors’ Choice.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)
Full and lush, made with 80% Grenache whose ripeness clearly shows. Brandied cherries and well-integrated wood spice on the nose, then superripe stone fruits on the palate, cherries especially, but also including hints of apricot and peach. A dusting of cocoa and dried spices add nuance, while it all comes together in a velvety finish. Imported by Vineyard Brands.
— J.C.
(11/15/2005)
A blend of roughly 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, this bottling from Perrin & Fils is dense and firm, with enough structure to suggest aging through 2010 at least. Yet it’s also wonderfully perfumed, featuring floral and spice notes as well as dark berries that are almost liqueur-like in their intensity.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
With the aromas of horse blanket overpowering its modest cherry notes, this wine is not for the timid. Yet it also delivers a remarkably lovely texture—like a fine suede—and a long, supple finish.
— J.C.
(12/15/2009)
Fairly powerful and extracted, with a dark hue, black-fruit aromas and scents of tar and rubber. The flavors are pure and pronounced—a hefty handful of plum, cassis, baking spices and black pepper. And the finish is great, what with its length, plush texture and rich chocolate and coffee flavors. Very warming and satisfying, with liveliness and zip. —M.S.
— M.S.
(2/1/2003)
This Cairanne bottling is a solid addition to the Perrin family’s operation, featuring slightly lifted aromas of crushed herbs, cracked pepper and ripe cherries. Flavors of cherries and dried spices fill the mouth, with just enough dusty tannins to provide structural integrity and modest longevity. Drink now–2017.
— J.C.
(2/1/2011)
This blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah boasts a wonderfully supple, fleshy mouthfeel yet remains firmly structured. Cherry pie scents add dark chocolate, earth and mineral notes on the palate, then finish crisp and peppery, framed by dusty, cocoa powder-like tannins. Drink now or hold 3–4 years.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
Fragrant for sure, with lovely floral and pine notes. The apple and pear fruit snaps and pops across your palate, dealing clean flavors and cleansing acids in abundance. The finish is compact, and thus everything is in its proper place. A nicely done wine with all parts melded and working in unison. In a word, it’s complete. Best Buy.
— M.S.
(9/1/2003)