Only one wine was produced in 2008, the Cairanne Reserve des Seigneurs. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and 10% Syrah, this excellent Cotes du Rhone-Villages is as good, or better than some of the Chateauneuf du Papes of the vintage. Dark ruby/purple-hued with notes of raspberries, pepper, unsmoked high quality cigar tobacco, and spice, it is a round, gentle, lush, medium to full-bodied wine to enjoy over the next 3-4 years.
This is one of the most highly respected estates in the southern Rhone. Almost every insider speaks of l’Oratoire Saint-Martin, run by Frederic and Francois Alary, as an example of a perfectly managed, impeccably manicured vineyard as well as meticulous winemaking. Previously recommended in issue 181: 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Reserve des Seigneurs (90), 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Cuvee Prestige (90)
Importers: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800, and J & R Selections, Lansing, MI; tel. (517) 393-4441