Also structured and tannic, yet with additional density and fruit, the 2011 Rasteau Saint Martin (a single vineyard blend of 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre) offers up smoking aromatics of dried herbs, loamy soil, mineral and black cherry-styled fruit to go with a medium-bodied, rich and nicely textured profile on the palate. There’s some upside here and another year in the cellar is warranted. These are serious, structured efforts that have some tannin to integrate. While the base Vieilles Vignes cuvee is relatively approachable on release, the estate upper-tier Saint Martin and Florianaelle releases will require patience. The 2012s are solid across the board, yet also possess surprisingly firm, tannic profiles that will benefit from short-term cellaring. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800