TASTING NOTES 2021 by Jeb Dunnuck
Jebdunnuck.com
Rasteau red “Héritage 1924” 2021
From the oldest Grenache vines of the estate (planted in 1924), this wine reveals a semi-opaque ruby hue as well as a gorgeous perfume of black raspberries, spring flowers, and Provençal spice. With a gorgeous sense of elegance, medium body, ripe tannins, and the pure, silky style of the vintage, it’s a brilliant Rasteau that I suspect won’t be the longest lived Rasteau ever, yet one that will put a smile on your face any time over the coming decade. If you get a chance, give this beauty a try.
93
Côtes du Rhône white “La Galopine” 2021
A more serious, focused, incredibly pure white. Crushed citrus, lemon, orange blossom, and some chalky minerality all define the aromatics, and this medium-bodied, beautifully balanced white is going to keep for 4-5 years. It’s seriously good and unquestionably competes with many a Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc.
92
Vin de France white “Scarabée” 2021
This wine, which is mostly Roussanne and Marsanne, has an exotic, medium-bodied, elegant style as well as bright lime, mint, lychee, and mineral-driven aromas and flavors. Drink this outstanding white over the coming 2-3 years.
91
Roaix red “Les Hautes Granges” 2021
Blackberries, violets, ground pepper, and some sappy garrigue notes all define this wine. It’s medium-bodied, has a fresh, elegant, silky mouthfeel, and fine tannins. I love its purity, and it should have 7-8 years, if not a decade, of longevity.
90
Rasteau red “La Ponce” 2021
Blackberies, spring flowers, and peppery, Provençal garrigue notes all define this wine, another quality 2021 from this team. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced, with ripe, supple tannins, it’s drinking nicely today yet should evolve for 5-7 years given its balance and concentration.
90
Côtes du Rhône white “La Ponce” 2021
This fruity, citrus-laced, honeyed, floral white is medium-bodied, has a delicious, fruit-forward style, outstanding balance, and a clean, crisp, dry finish. It’s beautifully done and will be versatile on the dinner table.
90
Rasteau red “Les Coteaux” 2021
This wine brings a touch more density and depth. It has a beautiful elegance about it as well as medium-bodied aromas and flavors of sweet red and black fruits, orange blossom, violets, and peppery garrigue. This charming, elegant, satisfying Rasteau is perfect for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or so.
90
Rasteau red “Argilla ad Argillam” 2021
I love the purity in this wine. It has pure darker berry fruits, some pepper, violet, and meaty nuances, medium body, a concentrated, layered mouthfeel, and ripe tannins. It plays in the fresher, elegant style of the vintage yet brings plenty of fruit and depth.
90
Rasteau red “Classique” 2021
This wine is solid in the vintage, with lots of character. Darker berries, pepper, garrigue, and some Provençal, spicy notes all define the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and supple on the palate, with plenty of character.
89
Carainne red “Le Ventabren” 2021
This wine is another charming, forward, pretty wine from this terrific winemaker. Black raspberries, peppery herbs, violets, and orange blossom all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, supple, and elegant on the palate.
89
Côtes du Rhône red “Les Antimagnes” 2021
Peppery herbs, violets, incense, and flowers all shine in this wine. It’s medium-bodied, fresh, and elegant, with supple fruit, ripe tannins, and a deliciously balanced style that will drink well for 4-6 years.
88
Cairanne red “Scarabée Libéré” 2021
Made and bottled with no added sulfur, this wine has a fleshy, round, medium to full-bodied style as well as up-front notes of plums, blueberries, lavender, and pepper. It’s not going to make old bones, but it’s a delicious wine to enjoy over the coming couple of years.
87
Côtes du Rhône red “Les Sablières” 2021
This Grenache-dominated blend is charming and up-front, with darker, peppery herbs and violet notes, medium body, a supple, charming mouthfeel, and a good finish. It would make a great house red for sure.
87