The 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Vieilles Vignes reveals the muscular, chocolaty, scorched earth, dense Grenache character of this sun-baked hillside appellation. With a dense ruby/purple color as well as a macho style, this 90% Grenache cuvee is rustic, earthy, full-bodied and massive. Cellar it for 2-4 years and drink it over the following 15+. (Not yet released) Michel Tardieu has excellent relationships with many growers in the southern Rhone, which is reflected in the quality of his three cuvees of Cotes du Rhone as well as what he accomplishes in Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. He normally makes three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, but I only tasted two on my recent visit. Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

Captivating, with fig, boysenberry, linzer torte and blueberry notes all melded together, wrapped with fruitcake and licorice snap and then coursing through the graphite-filled finish. Very dark in profile, with a Turkish coffee note in the background, but great cut and spine overall. Best from 2013 through 2020. 525 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add