2012 Domaine des Escaravailles Heritage 1924 Rasteau

The quality of 2012 in the Southern Rhone has been confirmed beyond doubt. While volumes were down by up to 15% on 2011, the resulting wines show beautifully balanced fruit/acid/tannin profiles and generally moderate alcohols. Stylistically, comparisons are being made with the classic 2007 - more “Audrey Hepburn rather than Marilyn Monroe” as one commentator has described it. A vintage that's delighted vignerons, more importantly, it offers a bevy of bargains to consumers that will continue to reward for years to come.

In great vintages, this Domaine's 1924 old-vine, pure Grenache has earnt a reputation for rivalling the best of Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas. Near opaque dark purple red colour with black tinged edges and a purple crimson hue. Aromas of black raspberries and black cherries develop with hints of liquorice, pepper and hints of meatiness. Boasts a rich, succulently textured flavour profile of black raspberries, black cherries and liquorice with some underlying meaty characteristics repeating in the peppery finish. Solid, fine grained tannins provide grip and structure. Long black raspberry, liquorice and black pepper aftertaste. Really enjoyable now, but plenty of development ahead, this will only get better and better.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc 15% 

Other Reviews….
One of my favorite producers, Domaine des Escaravailles covers 160 acres and is run by the talented proprietor Gilles Ferran, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie. The wines are always well-made, have ample fruit and texture, and can represent incredible values in most vintages.

Also a serious, very high-quality effort, the single vineyard 2012 Rasteau Heritage 1924 is 100% Grenache (from vines planted in 1924) that was brought up in tank. Sporting a full-bodied, voluptuous and decadently textured profile, with massive mid-palate depth, this thrilling old vine cuvee stays beautifully focused and pure, with nothing out of place. Black cherry, blackberry, spice, licorice and big minerality are just some of the nuances here, and this beauty will drink well on release and over the following 7-8 years, if not longer.
92-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate