2007 Rasteau Cuvee Fleur de Confiance

From incredibly low yields and vines averaging 50-100 years in age, the 2007 Domaine la Soumade Côtes du Rhône Villages Rasteau Cuvée Fleur de Confiance is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre that’s aged for 18 months in 1-2 year old demi-muids. Sporting an inky black/ruby color as well as deep, layered aromas of chocolate covered black cherries, graphite, dusty earth, and toasted spice, the wine is impeccably balanced on the palate, showing a seamless, elegant texture, thrilling levels of sweet, concentration fruit, beautiful acidity, and substantial, yet perfectly integrated structure and tannin. This gorgeous Rasteau opens up beautifully in the glass (I followed the bottle for three days and it never failed to impress) and while superb now, should be even better with 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink well for 15 to 20 years. Captivating stuff and with quality like this, it is no wonder Rasteau was recently awarded its own Appellation.

Very closed on the nose. More interesting on the palate, with powdery tannin and a dense, tight black fruit that pulses away in the glass. Virtually no development yet, but the massive length and density hints at things to come. (RH)