Rasteau red « Héritage 1924 » 2023
Crafted entirely from Grenache Noir planted in 1924 on blue clay soils, the 2023 Rasteau Heritage 1924 is, as ever, the densest and most powerful wine in the range. Offering up aromas of dark cherry, rose petal and warm spices, it’s medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit and a structured mid-palate, framed by velvety, nicely integrated tannins, concluding with a long, fresh finish. Élevage took place exclusively in concrete tanks. 93/100
The 2023 Rasteau la Ponce opens with a slightly reduced bouquet of dark cherries, crushed violets, wild berries and warm spices. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and enveloping, it’s built around a fleshy, sapid core of fruit and framed by powdery, well-integrated tannins. The finish is long, fresh and delicately spicy, delivering the balance and energy that mark this vintage. This is a finely judged, elegant expression of Rasteau that should evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years. This is a b lend of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Syrah. 92/100
Cairanne red « Le Ventabren » 2023
A beautifully made blend of 70% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah and 10% Carignan, the 2023 Cairanne le Ventabren reveals a deep, spicy bouquet of dark cherries, rose petals, cracked pepper and wild herbs. Medium- to full-bodied, layered and seamless, it’s built around a fleshy core of fruit and framed by ripe, powdery tannins that lend the wine both structure and drive. Long and penetrating on the finish, with lingering notes of garrigue and spice, it’s sourced from vines rooted on the elevated slopes of the Ventabren hill and matured entirely in concrete for 18 months. 91/100