2007 Roaix Hautes Granges

The 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Roaix Les Hautes Granges (100% Syrah) is aged in 100% small oak casks. Normally, Syrah from the southern Rhone does not fare all that well on its own, but this is an exception to the rule. Sweet aromas of black truffles, camphor, blackberries, and cassis jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored 2007. The new oak component is largely concealed behind a wealth of fruit and glycerin. This fleshy, rich offering behaves like a Hermitage from the northern Rhone. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Readers should be on the lookout for the wines from this superb estate. None other than the brilliant southern Rhone oenologist Philippe Cambie is the consultant at Domaine des Escarvailles, and their 2006s were profiled with considerable accolades in issue #178's report on the World’s Greatest Wine Values. The 2007s are the finest wines yet produced at this estate. Proprietor Gilles Farran owns some sensational old vines spread among his 160+ acres in the Cotes du Rhone and the Cotes du Rhone-Villages of Rasteau, Cairanne, and Roaix. Yields are low, with most of the vineyards rendering less than 30 hectoliters per hectare. Don’t forget about the extraordinary, bargain-priced Cotes du Rhone reviewed in issue #178, Domaine Calendal, which is a joint project of Philippe Cambie and proprietor Giles Farran. Importer: Jeff Welburn Selections, New York, NY; tel: (212) 247-2252; www.jeffwelburn.com