1999 Rasteau Cuvee Fleur de Confiance

A 100% old vine Grenache, the 1999 Rasteau Fleur de Confiance (made from microscopic yields of 12-15 hectoliters per hectare, and aged in a combination of small barrels and tank) took a year to ferment dry, and easily hides its 15.8% alcohol. An extravagant nose of black raspberry liqueur intermixed with blackberry, floral, and licorice notes charges from the glass. This full-bodied blockbuster possesses a tannic underpinning in addition to huge concentration and depth. As with the other wines, Romero does little racking, and considerable lees contact. Levels of sulphur utilized in his cellars are extremely small. This cuvee, which is, atypically, packaged in a heavy Bordeaux-shaped bottle, should age well for two decades. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565