Winemaker Notes
Fresh and spicy, with smoke, earth and energetic fruit (juicy plum, black cherry). Silky tannins with a generous, savory and supple, finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A big, creamy and enthusiastically fruity Rasteau. On the nose, aromas of dark berries, cherries, baked plums and hot wet stones. Full-bodied with ripe tannins. Juicy and fruit-driven with a delicious addition of sweet spices at the suave finish.
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Wine Spectator
Theres ripe, silky red fruit and licorice in this sleek version, with polished yet persistent tannins giving real structure. Stays fresh and energetic through the finish, lined with graphite shavings and a waft of apple wood smoke. Well-done. Grenache and Mourvedre. Drink now through 2028. 750 cases made, 100 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.