The 2006 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a beauty. Kirsch and licorice-scented, this dark ruby/purple-colored wine shows notes of chocolate covered cherries, has medium to full body, beautiful density, depth, and sweet tannins. It should drink nicely for up to a decade.
This high-quality negociant operation, started by Burgundian Dominique Laurent and his southern sidekick, the charismatic Michel Tardieu, continues to turn out high-class wines from purchased wine. Front man Michel Tardieu seems to know some of the finest growers in the Rhone, and he is willing to pay top dollar in order to get the stuff he wants.
Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029