2015 Rasteau Vielles Vignes

65% Grenache (80 years old), 25% Syrah (40 years old), 10% Mourvèdre (40 years old on limestone clay and blue clay). One-third whole bunch, aged in one-year-old barrels. Dark ruby. Colour not quite out to the rim. Notably gamey/meaty on the nose (a Mourvèdre effect?). Sweet, roasted start and without quite the concentration of the top Côtes du Rhône bottlings. But masses of tannins on the end. (JR)

From one of the standout appellations in the vintage, the 2015 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes comes from higher elevation parcels located behind the village. In general, this has slightly cooler terroirs. Made from 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, it has terrific notes of crushed violets, jammy blackberries, scorched earth and pepper in a surprisingly elegant, silky style that carries terrific mid-palate depth and fine tannin. It will have over a decade of prime drinking. Oct 2016, www.robertparker.com