Domaine Alary Cairanne Jean de Verde 2020

Rouge Cuvee

Almost pure Grenache with deep red color. Richly varied and intense aroma of black fruit, laurel and licorice. Wonderfully full, with a lively, ripe berry fruit taste. Lots of concentration and a silky smooth finish. Delicious with seasoned lamb or hard aged cheese. Drinkable from 3 years; at least 10 years after harvest.

Côtes du Rhône villages Cairanne rouge

Denis Alary considers his 'La Jean de Verde' to be his best wine, the leading magazine The Wine Advocate says this is the very best Cairanne ever. With the exception of 5% Carignan, the wine is made entirely from Grenache grapes, from a vineyard located at the top of the Cairanne hill.



The yield is so low at 25 hectoliters per hectare that production is only 5,000 bottles per year. This is Alary's most expensive cuvée, but compared to the big names from the most famous Rhône crus, the price is extremely attractive.

The wine is fantastic and has a great Grenache expression with refinement and freshness. We must mention one disadvantage; the wine is available in very limited quantities.

Awards

Mention
The Wine Advocate - October 2019: (92-94)/100 points | Exciting notes of raspberries, stone fruit and allspice

Description
A blend of 90% Grenache and 5% each Carignan and Mourvèdre, from a site at the top of the appellation, the 2018 Cairanne la Jean de Verde is a promising example, even if it is a step behind the otherworldly 2016. Exciting notes of raspberries, stone fruit and allspice appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is ripe and round, even creamy in texture on the mid-palate, then turns rich and velvety on the long finish.

Mention
The Wine Advocate - November 2018: 96/100 points | A productive wine

Description
It starts with scents of crushed stone and licorice, then expands on the plate to reveal crazy intense blueberry and blackberry flavors. Medium to full-bodied, it remains fresh, zesty and vivacious on the long finish. If you can track down some of the 5,000 bottles that were made, grab them. Because of extremely low yields, there is no 2017.