The 2012 Rasteau Cuvee 1921, which is almost all Grenache, looks to be just as good and has remarkable polish and elegance in the appellation. Exhibiting perfumed notes of sweet raspberry, licorice, mineral and tinges of chocolate, this full-bodied, intense, seamless and hedonistically-styled effort will drink well for upward of a decade. If you get a chance to grab a couple bottles, don’t miss it.
One of the leading southern Rhone estates for value is the Domaine Les Aphillanthes, which is run by Helene and Daniel Boulle. While no 2011s were presented, their 2012s look to be superb across the board.
Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0700