2006 Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau Cuvee Prestige

The dark purple-colored 2006 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Cuvee Prestige exhibits sexy, chocolatey, black cherry notes, vivid tannin, and good acidity as well as freshness. Still young, it will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well over the following 10-12. Andre Romero continues to turn out an impressive portfolio of wines. Several of his vin de pays fly under most consumer’s radar as one does not generally associate Bordeaux varietals with the southern Rhone. 2006 was a very good vintage for Romero, a notoriously late harvester. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565.