Looking even better than it did last year, Chamfort's 2017 Rasteau—a 70-30 blend of Grenache and Syrah—was made from tiny yields, under 20 hectoliters per hectare. Mixed berries and scents of tea leaves appear on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is silky yet rich, with a long, vibrant finish.

Given this consistent estate's track record for its Rasteau, I suspect the 2016 Rasteau is simply going through a rough phase. A 70-30 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it offers up aromas of pepper steak and mulberries. It's full-bodied and richly tannic, with a disjointed finish that's redolent of green peppercorns and chocolate. Give it a couple of years, and drink it over the following five.

Chamfort's 2015 Rasteau is a 70-30 blend of Grenache and Syrah aged half in large wood vats and half in concrete. It's full-bodied and a touch warm, but it also delivers plenty of cherry fruit, supple tannins and hints of leather and ground spices. Drink it over the next 5 years.

Chamfort’s 2014 Rasteau is an enjoyable, charming red from this difficult vintage that has medium-bodied richness and notes of black cherries, wild herbs and ground pepper. Drink it over the coming couple of years.

Forward, with soft-textured cherry and plum sauce flavors, followed by a good dose of anise and toast on the finish. Drink now. 800 cases made, 100 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add