Winemaker Notes
A traditional blend of 60% Grenache Noir and 40% Mouvedre. This wine is harvested from a single parcel in the Rasteau region composed of red clay and small pebbles. The reds here are deep-colored and robust, with a good structure and spicy warmth. Red and black fruits dominate, with red raspberry the star. The garrigue herbs play under the fruit. Expect a sturdy, yet pleasant tannin.
A generous wine, wanting of lamb or other game meats.
Blend: 60% Grenache Noir, 40% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Rasteau has a fresh, classic bouquet of ripe cherry and darker berry fruits, pepper, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, it has solid depth of fruit, sweet tannin, and a rounded, sexy, forward, textured finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Sea salt and red plums introduce this bold yet fresh-fruited Grenache-Mourvedre blend. It’s big and warming, but bright berry flavors and a zesty mineral spine lend quaffability and vibe. Best enjoyed young the wine should hold through 2025.
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.