Winemaker Notes
Dark and deep garnet color. Notes of ripe berries and Provencal herbs. Balance between body and freshness. Final of spices and undergrowth.
A good match for game birds, a rack of pork or lamb chops.
Blend: 60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Racy and fresh, with a beam of raspberry puree running from start to finish, flecked with anise and garrigue hints. A racy alder note underscores the finish. Grenache and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2021. 850 cases made, 200 cases imported.
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.