The top cuvée here is the 2016 Rasteau les Esqueyrons, a blend of 50% Grenache aged in concrete and 50% Syrah aged in oak. Baking spices and smoked meats greet the nose, framing the massive, dark-fruit flavors of plums and black cherries and adding welcome complexity. Full-bodied, plush and creamy, drink this hugely ripe, fleshy and intense wine over the next few years for the sheer thrills.

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 Rh?ne lovers.

One of my favorite Rasteaus out there is the Les Esqueyrons cuvee from Grand Nicolet and their 2014 Rasteau les Esqueyrons is a terrific wine in the vintage. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, with the Grenache aged in tank and the Syrah in barrel, it’s a medium to full-bodied, elegant Rasteau (which is becoming more and more common for the appellation) that offers textbook notes of dark berry fruits, dried garrigue and earth. It has no hard edges, solid concentration and a supple finish, all suggesting it will drink nicely for at least 7-8 years.

Reminding me of the 2010, the 2012 Rasteau les Esqueyrons is one of the top wines in the vintage. Made from close to equal parts concrete tank-aged Grenache and barrel-aged Syrah, it sports an inky purple color to go with knockout aromas and flavors of creme de cassis, blackberry, crushed violets and licorice. Full-bodied, decadent, heady and thrillingly rich, this is blockbuster stuff that will have over a decade of longevity.

Quite ripe, with dark steeped plum, warm currant confiture and cherry sauce flavors, lined with roasted wood spice and graphite notes that add cut and drive on the finish, with well-embedded acidity. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2016. 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add