'Packed with red currant, fig, licorice, and spice flavors that are wound tight by ripe, fine-grained tannins. The big, toasty finish needs some cellaring. Grenache and Syrah.'
90 points, Wine Spectator May 31 2007
RASTEAU L'ANDEOL AOC RASTEAU, COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE - RED
The vineyard
Five hectares (13 acres) of vines on slopes facing south,
just protected from the mistral.
Geology
Old, stony terraces that lie over sandy marl and pliocene age clay.
Grape varieties
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah.
Winemaking
The sheltered site of Rasteau results in early ripening of the grapes. The harvest is heated before fermentation, as at Beaucastel.
The wine then undergoes long vatting, with no cap-punching.
Maturing
90% in stainless-steel tanks. 10% in casks.
Ageing in bottles for 6 months before shipping.
Tasting notes
A deep red colour.
The nose is typical of ripe grenache, with aromas of roasted fruit, vanillaand pepper.
The mouth is full-bodiedand suave in texture.
The flavours are reminiscent of black fruit and cocoa, and the finish is intense.
Serving
This delicious wine is very easy to like and will go well with full-flavoured country cooking.
Will cellar well for 6/7 years.
