The dark plum/ruby-colored 2003 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes possesses scorched earth, chocolate, espresso, and kirsch characteristics. Big, bold, full-bodied, and a trifle rustic, this mouth-staining Rasteau tips the scales at 14.5% alcohol. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2014.
Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029