A blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2018 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a big, full-bodied wine, loaded with dried plums and chocolate. Richly tannic, concentrated and super ripe, it requires hearty dishes alongside to help balance it out, else it seems likely to overwhelm the food.

My favorite in the lineup was the 2015 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes and it’s another top-notch wine from this estate. Pepper, leafy herbs, crushed herbs, plums and blueberry-like aromas all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, elegant and pure Rasteau that shines for its class and drinkability. It will keep for a decade and is a hidden little gem to seek out.

A terrific value at 18 bucks, the 2014 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) is fresh and focused, with lively notes of cassis, licorice and hints of vanilla. Raised 12 months in demi-muids, drink this medium-bodied, lively, nicely made Rasteau on release and over the following 5-6 years.

Aged 14 months in cask and comprised of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, from 75-year-old vines, the 2011 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes possesses classic Rasteau minerality and chocolate as well as plenty of ripe red and black fruits, leather, singed herbs and licorice on both the nose and palate. Developing a liquid rock-like quality with air, this medium to full-bodied beauty has excellent purity of fruit, ripe tannin and no shortage of length on the finish. Give it another year in bottle and then drink it through 2021. Drink 2014-2021. Made by Bruno Long, with consulting advice by Philippe Cambie, this is a superb lineup of wines that show surprising depth and richness in the vintage. Importer: Serge Dore Selections, www.sergedoreselections.com