2017 Rasteau Vielles Vignes
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Tasting notes
Élevage for the 2017 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes consisted of a year in barrel, followed by six months in foudres, so the wine was still in wood during my June visit. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, it offers plentiful notes of cinnamon and clove, hints of vanilla and spice cake, plus raspberries and plums. It's full-bodied, velvety and lush, probably best consumed over the next 5-6 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
70% Grenache (80 years old), 20% Syrah (40 years old), 10% Mourvèdre (40 years old). Clay-limestone slopes and blue clay. Two-thirds destemmed. 10 months' ageing in one- and two-year-old barrels, then a further 10 months in foudres (Tronçais and Allier). Deep purplish crimson. Open and rich and spicy with a hint of meatiness. Prunes and lots of fruit – grunt and appeal. Tannins well hidden under the fruit so it could be drunk quite soon but will probably repay keeping. GV (JR)
The inky colored 2017 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) should be outstanding. Classic notes of ripe black cherries, graphite, and scorched earth all flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, and silky 2017 that has more elegance and purity than most Rasteau out there.