Winemaker Notes
Try pairing this wine with rib of beef with morel sauce, thrushes skewers, washed rind cheeses, exquisite chocolate.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Coming from tiny yields of 15 hectoliters per hectare and incredibly old vines, the 2014 Rasteau Heritage 1924 is all Grenache that was fermented in stainless steel and aged in concrete tanks. It’s a naked expression of old vine Grenache that offers terrific notes of plums, scorched hers, chocolate and strawberry on the nose. This gives way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, textured Rasteau that has enough tannic grip to warrant a year or two in the cellar. It should have 10-12 years of overall longevity.
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.