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  • Nick's Import

2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Vieilles Vignes Rasteau

Cotes du Rhone Villages, Southen Rhone, FRANCE
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen
Cellar: 5 - 6 Years (2018-2019)
ABV: 15%
Closure: Cork

A Superb Rich, Firmly structured Rasteau.

The first hectare of vines was planted on the Domaine Grand Nicolet property in 1875. The present owner, Jean Pierre Bertrand purchased the Estate in 1999. The 'Vielles Vignes' is a cuvee of 70% Grenache (sourced from 60 year old vines) and 30% Syrah (sourced from 30 year old vines). Only the Syrah component was matured in barrel so preserving the purity & freshness of the Grenache fruit. 2010 was another outstanding vintage in the Rhone, Robert Parker stating: “This is a great vintage that comes close in quality to 2007 in the southern Rhône….. The 2010s will have significant aging potential, which is obvious in the level of tannins, but the tannins are sweet with exceptional elegance and finesse. The ratio of high extractive and phenolic skins to the juice has produced wines of extraordinary intensity, freshness, aromatic potential and obvious longevity.” Tasting Note….
Totally opaque inky black colour with deep black purple hue. The nose displays meaty black raspberry and black cherry top notes intermixed with a hint of liquorice followed by some peppery end notes. Tightly constructed but slowly uncoiling itself since our initial tasting 12 months ago, the palate delivers mouthfilling flavours of black cherry, dark raspberry and liquorice with a meaty overlay and peppery back palate. Dry finish with sturdy, firmly structured tannins that give the wine a chewy mouthfeel at present but these will soften and fully integrate with time. Long aftertaste of black raspberry, a touch of liquorice, dried meats and blackpepper.
This should evolve beautifully in 5-6 years (2018-2019)
Alc 15.0% Other Reviews….
Even more serious and structured, the 2010 Domaine Grand Nicolet Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 70% Grenache (from 60-year-old vines) and 30% Syrah (from 30-year-old vines) that has the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in 10% 1 and 2-year-old barrels. Big, mineral-driven and firm, with black cherry liqueur, spice-box, and new leather aromas and flavors all showing, this full-bodied, concentrated Rasteau needs a solid 2-3 years in the cellar. It will drink well for upwards of a decade.
92+ Points
Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhone Report Much better, the dense purple-colored 2010 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau exhibits attractive black cherry, earthy, herbal notes intermixed with sweet plum, fig and prune characteristics. Full-bodied and chewy, it is ideal for drinking over the next decade.
90 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate