Domaine Berthet Rayne Cairanne Vieilles Vignes 2009

Berthet-Rayne is fashioning lush, full-throttle Cairannes that combine old school character with modern accessibility. Making the most of the full-bodied 2009 vintage, Berthet-Rayne’s old-vine (vieilles vignes) bottling is a testament to Cairanne’s preeminence among its Côtes-du-Rhône-Villages siblings and a powerful argument for the commune’s elevation to full AOC status. Classic translucent black-plum in color, Berthet-Rayne’s Cairanne VV opens with heady aromas of fresh plums, wild blueberries, black pepper, leather, lavender and thyme. Herbal and reticent on the attack, the wine blossoms on the palate to reveal Barolo-like suggestions of pie cherries, underbrush, leather and camphor. On the finish, the old-vine character comes to the fore with ripe, framing tannins and a thrilling undercurrent of smoky, stony terroir. At this price, buy this wine by the case to enjoy now and over the coming seven years with roast lamb, grilled burgers, ratatouille, and just about anything that calls for a hearty, winter-warming red wine.

Naturally farmed.

A December 2012 Newsletter selection.