2009 Domaine Grand Nicolet Les Esqueyrons Rasteau Cotes du Rhone Villages

Last of the 2009 Rhones. Not long after Robert Parker began his assessment of 2009 Rhone in October 2010, he was commending winelovers to buy up. "This is the type of vintage consumers will love as the wines are fruit-forward, full-bodied, relatively high in alcohol with low acidity and sweet, well-integrated tannins". In this final shipment, traversing a range of terroirs the quality and value is obvious. They are wines that put Australian Grenache blends back in their place as the antecedents of these Southern Rhone archetypes. Now the treasure trove is drying up. One proviso on Parker's comments below: many of these wines were tasted before bottling. In this state, he tends to underrate wines initially, only to add points after they spend time in the bottle. The wines have rested since shipping and are now blossoming beautifully.

Tasting note: Composed of equal parts Grenache and Syrah aged in small barrels. Totally opaque black dark crimson red colour with deep dark crimson red hue. The nose presents an aromatic profile of black cherry, liquorice and dried meat followed by some blackpepper notes. Full bodied and lavish, the palate delivers an explosive flavour profile of black raspberry, liquorice, black cherry, spicy meat and some persistent blackpepper characters on the back palate. The opulent fruit is totally mouthfilling but superbly supported by a firmish, slightly chewy, yet perfectly balanced tannin structure. Long aftertaste of black cherry, blackpepper, liquorice and meaty spice. A Rhone of superb depth and flavour persistence. Cellar 4-5 years.Alc 15%

Other reviews... "classic old style Rasteau. The wine reveals enormous body, lots of tannin and huge, chocolaty, black cherry marmalade, lavender and garrigue characteristics. Full-bodied, powerful, rich and stacked and packed with fruit and concentration, it should drink well for 12 or more years." 90-92+ points - Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #191 - Oct 2010size>