Cairanne, La Cote Sauvage - Magnum

Tasting Note

Intense morello cherry fruit and a touch of sweet spice on the nose, ripe berry, liquorice and a hint of cinnamon spice on the palate, this wine is full flavoured, rich and smooth with supple tannins.

Producer Details

Boutinot's love affair with the southern Rhône is both enduring and unswerving. They firmly believe that they can make great wine there. And for this reason, they have bought their first vineyard in France, here in the southern Rhône – in the village of Cairanne. Ten years ago they first glimpsed the potential of the vineyards of Cairanne when they released the 2000 vintage of La Côte Sauvage. Now they have several plots of old vines and they have begun to realise their dream of making even better wine. Over the past decade or so they have built enviable relationships with a network of local growers and they will of course continue to source grapes and wine from their trove of prized vineyards for a full range of Rhône wines.

In The Vineyard

The Southern Rhône village of Cairanne lies in the heart of the Southern Rhône valley, north east of Orange. Nearby Chateauneuf-du-Pape was the first village in the whole of France to be recognized for its quality and individuality, and neighbouring villages such as Cairanne has recently been awarded its own Appellation Contrôlée status, and it has been representing excellent value for money in the preceding years.

For this La Côte Sauvage fully ripe Grenache and Syrah grapes are hand picked from bush vines in selected vineyards within Cairanne, north east of Orange in the heart of the Rhône valley.

In The Winery

To make this Cairanne, the winemaker uses traditional vinification techniques - indigenous yeast and a long cuvaison period, followed by maturation in French oak barrels to develop great concentration, complexity and finesse in the wine.

Food Recommendations

The perfect match for red meat dishes and rich stews.

Awards & Press

2009 Vintage: 91 Points in Wine Spectator – September 30th 2012 issue
2009 Vintage: 89 Points in The Wine Enthusiast – October 2012 issue
2009 Vintage: 90 Points in The Rhône Report - Issue 13, October 2012
2009 Vintage: Japan Wine Challenge 2012 – Silver
2007 Vintage: Decanter Wine Awards 2011 - Bronze
2007 Vintage: IWSC 2011 - Silver (Best in Class)
2006 Vintage: IWSC 2009 - Bronze
2006 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2010 - Short List
2006 Vintage: Sommelier Wine Awards 2009 - Short List
2009 Vintage: "Ambitiously toasty, but pulls it off, as the alder and mesquite flavours meld into the core of blackberry, blackcurrant and steeped cherry fruit. Dense and fleshy on the finish, with tar and black tea notes weaving in. This has lots of bass, but shows cut and drive. Drink now through 2016." 91 points. James Molesworth, Wine Spectator. September 2012
2009 Vintage: “A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Carignan, the 2009 la Cote Sauvage is decidedly modern with its toast, vanilla, dried flowers, and spice qualities, yet it stays beautifully balanced and elegant, showing a core of sweet fruit and plenty of depth as well. Aged for 22-months in mostly neutral oak (some new), this medium to full bodied
2009 is supple, seamless, and very classy on the palate. It shows its oak, but it is one of those wines that pulls it off. I would drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years, yet I suspect it will have a gradual evolution.” 90 Points. The Rhône Report – Issue 13, October 2012.
2007 Vintage: "Liquorice-menthol notes lead a broad aroma. A spiced, interesting flavour with cinnamon and baked apple." Decanter 'The Results' edition, October 2011
2007 Vintage: "Mature, this sports lovely, alluring mesquite and sandalwood aromas giving way to mulled damson plum, black cherry and Lapsang Souchong tea notes. The long, suave finish lets the mesquite note hang nicely. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault." 90 points. James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 15th October 2011
2006 Vintage: " Medium-ruby colour with white peppery spice on the nose. Rich, savoury and meaty with hints of chocolate, soft tannins, fruitcake and spice." Sommelier Wine Awards 2010, Judges comments
2006 Vintage: "Brown pepper and juicy red fruits, with violet and lavender notes. 'Not a meaty style, but good balance', said Laura Rhys." Sommelier Wine Awards 2009, Judges Comments