Winemaker Notes
This wine has an intense red color with black highlights. Its very delicate nose develops notes of black fruit stewed with a touch of vanilla. On the palate, it is round, suave, full of aromas of black fruits of chocolate and passion fruit.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2020 Rasteau gives up lots of Bing cherry, spice, and exotic flower notes to go with a fresh, yet ripe, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style on the palate. It picks up more spice and sandalwood notes with time in the glass, and it should easily be an outstanding wine. The blend is 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre.
Barrel Sample: 90-92
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.