I tasted one 2004, the 2004 Cairanne Partides, a real sleeper of the vintage. Deep ruby/plum/purple with notes of licorice, earth, black cherry jam, and some mineral and smoke, the wine is deep, flavorful, broad, expansive, and a mouthful of wine that sells for a song. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
An excellent estate in Cairanne with wines from that village that are nearly as interesting and complex as their Chateauneuf du Papes, there are usually at least three cuvees of Cairanne – Galifay, Partides, and Grands Classiques – all noteworthy.
Importer: Vignobles Select, Laurel, MD; tel. (301) 362-4398