Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Initially a bit reductive, but with patience, this wine reveals its true charm. It strikes a beautiful balance—rich dark fruits sit between fresh and compote, framed by smooth tannins that slowly unveil notes of licorice, rose petal, and soft mocha. A delicate veil of lavender lingers, adding lift and elegance. Ready for immediate enjoyment, just allow it 40 minutes to breathe and reveal its full depth.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2023 Rasteau La Ponce is spicy and savory, showing leather, red and black fruits, and herbal notes. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and loaded with character, it will offer prime drinking over the next 10-12 years.
Barrel Sample: 91-93 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Rasteau la Ponce opens with a slightly reduced bouquet of dark cherries, crushed violets, wild berries and warm spices. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and enveloping, it’s built around a fleshy, sapid core of fruit and framed by powdery, well-integrated tannins. The finish is long, fresh and delicately spicy, delivering the balance and energy that mark this vintage. This is a finely judged, elegant expression of Rasteau that should evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years. This is a blend of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Syrah.
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.