A lean version that speaks to a cooler vintage, with pretty violet, red berry, incense and smoked meat flavors all dusted in white pepper. Delivers toast and vanilla accents, which add a bit of warmth, while racy acidity drives the medium finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2027. 35,000 cases made, 850 cases imported.??–KB??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Cairanne Select to Add

Delicate herbal notions of garrigue entwine red raspberries on the nose of the 2019 Cairanne Les Travers, which is about 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Carignan and Mourvèdre. Aged mostly in tank, it's a charming, medium to full-bodied effort with supple tannins, a fine, silky feel in the mouth and a lingering finish. It should drink well for at least 3-4 years.

The full-bodied 2018 Cairanne les Travers is another unqualified success. A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Carignan and Mourvèdre, it offers notes of purple raspberries, soft tannins and a dusting of cocoa on the long finish.

Now in bottle, the 2017 Cairanne les Travers has firmed up since last year. It's medium to full-bodied, with vibrant purple raspberry flavors backed by rich (but ripe) tannins. Is it too serious for what is essentially an entry-level wine, or is it just a great value in a Southern Rh?ne red to cellar for a couple of years?

Lush, with a core of fig and boysenberry confiture rolling through, flecked with licorice, warm fruitcake and cocoa accents. Fruit-driven but with enough spine and definition for balance. For the hedonist crowd. Drink now through 2020. 2,400 cases made, 240 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Cairanne Select to Add