Domaine des Escaravailles Rasteau La Ponce 2006
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Parker
Robert
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Chocolatey black cherries, a dense purple color, and full-bodied power and intensity characterize the 2006 La Ponce, a blend of Grenache and Syrah from the high elevation vineyards of Rasteau, an appellation that is soaring in quality. This wine should drink nicely for 5-7 years.
Other Vintages
2007-
Parker
Robert
The Domaine des Escaravailles belongs to the Ferran family for now three generations as it was brought by Gilles Ferran's Grandfather, Jean-Louis Ferran in 1953.
Gilles Ferran took over the winery in 1999 when he started bottling his first wine, the Rasteau "La Ponce". He was major of his promotion in oenology in Montpellier and that was over ten years he was working in the winery aside his father Daniel.
The great advantage of the Escaravailles Terroir is to be situated at a high altitude (around 250 m) with steep slopes. These conditions are fundamental for the quality of the wine as the slope able a perfect drainage and exposition, the clay subsoil preserves some water reserves to delay the hydra stress phenomenal, and especially the altitude optimizes an important thermal amplitude between the day and the night, ideal to bring a great harmony and freshness in the wines.
The winery spreads out over 40 hectares on Rasteau and 25 hectares on Cairanne, Villedieu and Saint Roman. Les soils are divers, but the homogeneity is in the calcareous and clay ground.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
A highly successful southern Rhone village promoted to Cotes du Rhone Villages status because of its intense and heady red wines, Rasteau is also recognized for its fortified wine, Vin Doux Naturel. Grenache is responsible for both styles. Rasteau also produces refreshing white and rosé table wines.