2003 Escaravailles - Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau La Ponce

The star of the portfolio is the cuvee from Rasteau, which is 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. The 2003 Rasteau La Ponce is rich, full-bodied, deep, chewy, and high in alcohol, glycerin, and extract. It is a big, mouthfilling, substantial wine and, like the 2004, probably best drunk in its exuberant, somewhat rustic youthfulness – over the next 4-5 years. Importer: Jeff Welburn Selections, New York, NY; tel: (212) 247-2252; www.jeffwelburn.com