The tannic, structured, impressive, dark ruby-colored 2001 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cairanne Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache, 15% Counoise, 10% Carignan, and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre) is a powerful, earthy, animalistic offering that will undoubtedly be controversial given its meaty/animal fur characteristics. It’s an impressive effort from Cairanne. Give it 12-18 months of cellaring, and consume it over the following decade.
Importer: a Patrick Lesec Selection, various American importers, including Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0039, Classic Wines, Boston, MA; tel. (617) 469-5799; Fine Vines LLC, Maywood, IL; tel. (708) 343-5901; Associated Wine Distributors, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-8048; and Vintage ’59 Imports, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 966-9218