Ripe and bright, with plum and raspberry compote flavors, lined with pastis and sweet spice notes. The licorice note echoes with the fruit on the finish. Drink now through 2023. 1,450 cases made, 224 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add

A tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the full-bodied 2019 Rasteau is a powerful, concentrated rendering of this warm appellation. Hints of cocoa, raspberries, plums and black cherries appear on the nose, while the palate is richly textured—almost creamy—and loaded with ripe tannins that leave a dusty, mouth-coating finish of dark chocolate. I'd enjoy it over the next few years for its full-flavored decadence.

The full-bodied, decadent 2017 Rasteau is a tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Raspberries and chocolate combine with plummy fruit in a lush, creamy-textured, almost dessert-seeming wine that should be consumed in its youth.

The classic 2013 Rasteau is noteworthy, and a strong effort in a more difficult vintage. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged in a combination of stainless steel and concrete tanks, it offers terrific ripeness in its cassis and currant style fruits, medium to full-bodied richness and great finish. It has textbook Rasteau character, is already drinking nicely, and has the stuffing to last for 7-8 years.

The 2011 Rasteau is a lively, surprisingly juicy effort that gives up hints of mint, spring flowers and sappy herbs that are grounded by plenty of black cherry and raspberry fruit. Medium-bodied, with good overall ripeness, plenty of acidity and a clean finish, it should drink nicely for 5-6 years. These are three solid efforts by proprietor Marie-France Masson. Importer: Milton Road Trading Co. LLC, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 290-3000