The 2018 Rasteau Marc has turned out reassuringly better than I projected last year. A blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, all aged in demi-muids, it boasts cedary overtones to the vibrant purple raspberry aromas, plus hints of garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, with ample concentration and a slightly taut feel on the palate, it's a bit edgier than the other offerings at this domaine, with crisp acids and slightly astringent tannins on the finish. It may age longer than the estate's other wines, but I'm not sure it's better.

The 2017 Rasteau Cuvee Marc is a firm, tannic wine that needs a couple of years to mellow. It's half Grenache, with the balance a blend of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and offers attractive scents of garrigue and cherry cola. Check in on it in 2021.

The 2016 Rasteau Cuvee Marc, a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 25% Syrah, all aged in barrel, is a bit overripe and overextracted. It's got some attractive aromas of mocha and plums, but it's full-bodied and intensely tannic, with a gritty finish reminiscent of coffee grounds.

Fresh, with lots of plum and blackberry fruit flavors lifted by violet, savory and anise notes. Sports a little toast, which is integrated and lively through the finish. Drink now through 2019. 150 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add

Still aging in barrel, the 2014 Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau Cuvee Marc has real Rasteau character, which isn’t a given in 2014 as most lack depth and texture. Made from 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre, its inky purple color is accompanied by classic dark fruits, chocolate, smoked meats and that dusty, crushed rock-like minerality I always find in this appellation. Rich, full-bodied, nicely concentrated and layered, it should certainly be an outstanding wine and have 7-8 years of prime drinking after release.