The opaque ruby-colored 2013 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is made from 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre that comes from parcels on both the steep slopes and the flatter portion below the village. Aged in one- to three-year-old barrels, it possess terrific Rasteau character in its ripe dark fruits, chocolate, baked earth, black licorice and roasted garrigue-laced bouquet. Forward and textured on the palate, it has a surprisingly firm edge to its tannin, which will need a year or two of bottle age to integrate, but it has beautiful fruit. This chewy, classic Rasteau will have 10-12 years of prime drinking.

This has a prominent toasty profile, with ganache and warm fruitcake notes leading the way to a core of dark plum and raspberry fruit flavors. A strong graphite edge gives the finish spine, though the toasty side leaves a slightly firm impression overall, and this is a touch overdone in the end. Drink now through 2017. 500 cases made, 20 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add