Loaded with dark fruit, the 2016 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Full-bodied, plush and long, it delivers purple-skinned plums, super ripe black cherries and pronounced licorice notes. It's hard to believe such great bargains continue to exist.

Another blockbuster is the 2015 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes, which is based on 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It sees a long maceration followed by aging in concrete tanks (there’s 10% of the Syrah aged in two-year-old barrels). Its deep purple color is followed by a full-bodied, mouth-filling, beautifully layered Rasteau that’s loaded with notions of blackberry jam, blackcurrants, licorice and black cherries. There’s some obvious minerality on the finish, and this beauty will benefit from short term cellaring and keep for a decade.

One of the stars in the vintage, the 2014 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes is a terrific blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was completely destemmed and raised mostly in concrete tanks (10% of the Syrah was aged in two-year-old barrels). Medium to full-bodied, rich, inky-colored and about as concentrated as they get in the vintage, it has impressive notes of currants, scorched earth, chocolate and licorice. It will have a decade of overall longevity.

This has a broad, dense and gutsy feel, with lots of brambly grip inlaid in the core of blackberry, black currant and bitter plum pate de fruit flavors. A lovely roasted juniper note glides through the finish, adding length and cut. Intriguing, and a solid effort for the vintage. Drink now through 2018. 350 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add

One of the better wines in the vintage, the 2013 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes offers solid depth and richness in its peppery, black raspberry and bouquet garni-like perfume. Medium to full-bodied, charming and supple, it lacks a touch of mid-palate density, yet is downright gulpable. Made from 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, I wouldn’t be surprised to see it gain a touch more richness with a year in bottle. It should have upwards of a decade of overall longevity.