2018 Domaine des Escaravailles La Ponce Rasteau

Rasteau's 880 hectares of vines are planted on marl and red and yellow clay soils over sandstone with rounded stones covering some sectors, which in heatwave vintages act like health insurance against hydric stress. By law, the Grenache component in the dry red blends must be 50% minimum, with Syrah and/or Mourvedre 20% minimum and other grape varieties of the appellation tolerated up to 20%. In 2010 the Rasteau AOC was created allowing the wines to be named after the village, dropping the Cotes-du-Rhone tag and joining the likes of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas at the pinnacle of the wine hierarchy in the Southern Rhone.
Part of the success of Domaines Des Escaravailles is due to the input of French oenologist, Philippe Cambie. As well as acting as a consultant winemaker for other Southern Rhone estates like Domaine Grand Nicolet, Cambie also consults to many of the top wines in Chateauneuf du Pape, including Pegau and Vieux Donjon.

A rich, pleasure-bent Rasteau.

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah sourced from vines over 60 years old and 40 years old respectively. The Syrah component is aged in 225 litre barrels whilst the Grenache is aged in concrete vats for a period of 12 months. Midnight black in colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Headlining the nose are elevated black raspberry and liquorice aromas followed by peppered meats, light scorched earth and provincial herb notes. Rich, concentrated black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruits power across the opulent, large scale palate leaving in their wake a backdrop of meaty characters, scorched earth and peppered herbs. A sturdy tannin structure takes on a velvet like appearance beneath the wall of fruit. Long, slightly muscular yet overwhelmingly hedonistic finish.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15.5%