Domaine de l'Oratoire Saint-Martin "Reserve des Seigneurs" red 2019

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski, oct. 2019) : 91-93/100. I tasted what Frédéric Alary described as "the heart of the blend" from foudre before any sulfur additions, an assemblage of 40% Mourvèdre and 30% each Grenache and Syrah. Rich and concentrated, the 2018 Cairanne Reserve des Seigneurs is full-bodied, ripe, supple and long, with notes of violets and purple raspberries. Despite the vintage's challenges, it looks to be another beauty from this quality-conscious estate. Drink 2020-2026.

In 2018, the crop at this historic domaine was down approximately 70%, according to Frédéric Alary. From Cairanne, there will only be a single white and single red bottled. Thankfully, what I tasted is reassuringly good, and the terrific 2016s and 2017s are still on the market. If you're in the market for great, traditional Southern Rhône wines that won't break the bank (and who isn't?), producers like this deserve your support. Alary opened two decade-old bottles to illustrate how well the wines from this benchmark estate age, with remarkably consistent results.