Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A sleeper of the vintage, the spectacular 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah. This peppery cuvee exhibits notes of white chocolate, kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, truffles and melted asphalt. Deep, full-bodied and powerful, this blockbuster can be enjoyed over the next decade.
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Wine Spectator
This lush, inviting red displays a velvety edge to the plum sauce, macerated black cherry and anise notes. Tarry but still lively on the finish, with finely beaded acidity.
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.