The 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes offers up scents of chocolate, black currants, licorice and dusty, loamy soil.
(Not yet released)
The top values in Michel Tardieu's portfolio include his Cotes du Rhones, which are always well-made. The 2011s, while not as strong as his 2009s and 2010s, are very good. The Vieilles Vignes cuvees from various southern Rhone appellations tend to be around 70-80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvedre, all aged in old oak casks. I only tasted two 2010 cuvees, which is a superior vintage. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661