Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Violets, floral plum notes and some dried herbs. Good velvety texture, the fruit is ripe, though not hugely long. An elegant, quite compact style of Rasteau. Grown at 330m-350m altitude, south-facing vineyard, all destemmed.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2021 Rasteau Les Coteaux brings a touch more density and depth. A similar blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged 12 months in concrete tank, it has a beautiful elegance about it as well as medium-bodied aromas and flavors of sweet red and black fruits, orange blossom, violets, and peppery garrigue. This charming, elegant, satisfying Rasteau is perfect for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or so.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From a south-facing parcel of blue clay (lieu-dit Le Ratanaud), the 2021 Rasteau les Coteaux is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, all matured in concrete. Scents of ripe cherries, red raspberries and dusty earth emerge from the glass, while in the mouth, the wine is medium to full-bodied, silky and refined, with a long, elegant finish.
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.