Winemaker Notes
A very deep crimson color. A very complex nose of small blackberries with very noticeable spice notes. Very powerful in mouth with an excellent lingering, tannins are there but they are rounded, harmoniously woody, good aromatic persistence of sloe and licorice.
Serve this wine alongside meat cooked in sauce, game, or cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Flowing, ample, intense, generous style. The Mourvèdre works really well in this blend, it doesn't have the hardness of Syrah's tannins, which is a benefit in this vintage. Long finish, lovely sense of purity. Seamless wine, a real pleasure. Alcohol is of course high (this is Rasteau), but the wine feels balanced, opulent, rich.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Brusset is based in Cairanne, but the 2019 Rasteau La Bastide is also a notable effort. While it lacks the liveliness and vibrancy of the Cairanne bottlings, it's a broad, ripe, flavorful wine that should provide plenty of short term pleasure. Plum and chocolate nuances mark the nose and palate of this medium to full-bodied wine, while the tannins are plush and soft, leaving a creamy impression on the palate.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.