Hints of crushed stone mark the nose of the 2018 Cairanne Maximilien, a tank-matured blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. It seems a bit subdued compared to last year's tank sample, but it still features attractive shadings of thyme, bay leaf and ripe cherries, with a bit of anise on the finish. Medium to full-bodied, smooth and elegant on the palate, it finishes with gentle, dusty tannins.

Herbal shadings accent raspberry fruit in the 2017 Cairanne Cuvee Maximilien, a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah. Medium to full-bodied, it adds some dark fruit notes on the palate, framed by just-ripe, fine-grained tannins, and lingers on the finish.

The 2016 Cairanne Cuvee Maximilien is a blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan and 5% Syrah, with the Mourvèdre aged in oak. This offers a dusty-earthy, traditional Rh?ne profile, with cherry fruit at the core but most of the flavor interest being dry and savory. Drink this open-knit, coarsely textured wine over the next 5 years.

Not yet bottled, the 2015 Cairanne Cuvee Maximilien is a blend of 50% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah that’s brought up in concrete and stainless steel. This charming, forward, hedonistic effort excels on all accounts and has lots of cassis and blackberry fruits intermixed with green herbs, lavender and flower nuances. It has light tannin, tons of character and will drink nicely right out of the gate.

Already in bottle, the 2014 C?tes du Rh?ne Cairanne Cuvee Maximilien is another rock solid release from this estate (which should be no surprise from anyone that follows The Wine Advocate). Made from 50% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and the balance Syrah, completely destemmed and aged all in tank (it sees no wood whatsoever), it has terrific ripeness in its black fruits, licorice, pepper and earthy/underbrush-like aromas and flavors. These give way to a medium to full-bodied, textured, beautifully concentrated and charming southern Rhone shows the vintage’s forward style and will drink well for 5-6 years.