2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Les Esqueyrons Rasteau

Totally opaque black dark red colour with very deep dark red black hue. The nose presents well with lifted aromas of liquorice, black cherry and black raspberry that are followed by some spicy meaty like end notes. Full bodied the palate is powerful with a structured presence delivering flavours of black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice as the dominate force supported by some meaty undertones and a spicy peppery dry finish. Superb length and structure with firmish solidly built tannins that are in perfect balance. Chewy mouthfeel with a long black cherry, liquorice, dried meats and blackpepper aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years (2017-2018)
Alc 15.0%

Other Reviews….
Possibly even better, the stunning 2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Les Esqueyrons is an even split of Grenache and Syrah, from incredibly low yields of 20hl/hectare, that is aged all in oak barrels for a year. Full-bodied and decadent, with blockbuster styled aromas of plum, pepper, violets, and smoke, it is brilliantly concentrated, structured, and textured, while at the same time, staying fresh, pure, and clean through the finish. It is a rock star effort that will drink well for a decade.
93+ points
Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhone Report (Issue # 13 - Sep 2012) The blockbuster 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Les Esqueyrons is an equal part blend of tank-aged Grenache and barrel-aged Syrah from the estate’s oldest vines. A black/purple color is followed by a stunning perfume of ink, incense, chocolate and sweet kirsch liqueur. The wine reveals good texture, a full-bodied personality and superb concentration, purity and potential. Give it several years of bottle age and drink it over the following 12-15 years.
92 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate