Brunel de la Gardine Rasteau 2017

75% Grenache, 25% Syrah

Rasteau is a vibrant young gun, newly promoted to Cru status in 2010 and raring to go. Rich, ripe concentrated wines are its calling card. Relaxed and easy-going, yet reflects the glamour and power of its neighbour Châteauneuf du Pape (at half the price). Château de la Gardine owns particularly superb terroir in Rasteau.

Jeb Dunnuck: "...the 2017 Rasteau Brunel De La Gardine is fabulous all the way and is going to compete with the top wines in the appellation. Based on 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah brought up all in tank, this medium to full-bodied, pure, concentrated effort boasts a deep purple color as well as notes of blackberries, ground pepper, crushed flowers, and violets. It’s a beautiful wine and will keep for a solid 7-8 years. (91-93+)" 

Tasting notes: Elegant black and red cherries on the nose, with ripe, juicy red cherries bursting onto the palate. Full-bodied, finishing with baking spices, cloves, and cinnamon. Christmas vibes all around. With time, the wine will develop complex flavours of cherry clafoutis and kirsch. 

Drink with: Lamb, grilled meats, olives. Mediterranean foods, pizzas, pastas, olives, oregano, sage rosemary and thyme. Cheeses and charcuterie boards. Serve at 18C. Drink now, can hold till 2024.

Winemaking notes: 100% hand harvested, from vines on three types of soils, calcareous brown soil, skeletal marl soil, red sandstone. Vines are 40-60+ years, grown at 250m altitude. The grapes are blended before fermentation, a highly traditional practice that allows for better integration of structure and flavours, as compared to blending of raw wines after fermentation. Château de la Gardine is one of the few wineries left who continue this practice. Wine is aged in steel or cement tanks.