Winemaker Notes
A wine with strong Mediterranean accents, both in terms of its aromas of garrigue scrubland, spice and ripe fruit on the nose, and in terms of its power and intensity on the palate. A generous yet well-balanced wine with long-lingering aromas.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A fruity nose with cassis, cherries, baked plums and some mild spices. Medium to full body with creamy tannins. Rich and velvety with plenty of currants and ripe berries on the palate and a comforting, fruity finish with a touch of pepper.
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Wine Spectator
Very impressive for the cool vintage, with generous plum, fig and cherry flavors laced with black pepper on a well-hewn frame. Delivers good juiciness, concentration and weight. Reveals a loamy, smoky thread that weaves through, with graphite energy driving everything home. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases made, 900 cases imported.
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.