This excellent estate consistently makes fine wines. Their 2011 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah from 60 to 90-year-old vines planted on the rocky, windswept hillsides of Rasteau. Three-fourths is aged in stainless steel tanks and the rest in larger demi-muids. An inky/purple color is followed by aromas of white chocolate, espresso roast, asphalt, creosote, blackberries and blueberries. This dense, fruit-laden, full-bodied, opulent, unctuously textured Rasteau is a brilliant success in this vintage. It should continue to drink well for 5-8 years.
Importer: Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, Pennsylvania at 610-486-0700 and fax 610-486-6452; www.weygandtmetzler.com