2015 Domaine Grand Nicolet Les Esqueyrons Rasteau

A rich, blockbuster Rasteau loaded with black fruit and pepper within a chewy, structured mouthfeel.

The ‘Les Esqueyrons’ is only produced in good vintages and comes from two single vineyards in the “lieu-dit” Les Esqueyrons. It is a blend of 80 year old vine Grenache and 60 year old vine Syrah with the Syrah component aged in one year old barrels for 12 months and the Grenache aged in concrete vats for 18 months.

Superb colour displaying an impenetrable inky black core with a deep dark purple black hue. Pronounced ripe black cherry and liquorice aromas dominate the nose along with hints of black raspberry infused by peppered dried meats, scorched earth and spice. Large scaled and very rich this powerhouse Rasteau is flooded with heavily peppered black cherry and liquorice flavours over earth dried meats with some lingering dried herbs on the back palate. There’s a firm base of tannins that give the mouthfeel some grip. Long aftertaste of pepper, black cherries, liquorice, earthy dried meat characters and dried herbs.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews…
Located in Rasteau, Domaine Grand Nicolet is run by Jean-Pierre Bertrand, with consulting advice from Philippe Cambie. There are terrific wines across the board, and this estate is certainly in the top tier of Rasteau producers.
The flagship cuvee is the 2015 Rasteau les Esqueyrons, and it’s made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah that had the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in once used barrels. Its inky color is followed by a killer bouquet of ripe black cherries, blueberries, licorice and peppery herbs. Deep, ripe, full-bodied and with fabulous purity, it has ripe tannin and a great finish. This is a serious wine that should be snatched up by Southern Rhône lovers.
92-95 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate