Below are listed wine tasting notes, including scores and value evaluations, for wines from the Rasteau wine region of the Rhone Valley in France. This accompanies a general article on Rasteau wines and winemakers, which is here.
View of rugged Rasteau wine terrain, Rhone Valley, France
Tasting notes and numerical ‘scores’ are subjective. Prices are cellar/winery retail and given in Euros.
An evaluation of the ‘value’ of various wines is included. Optimal values in terms of price/quality are indicated as Superlative Value ♫♫♫, followed by Excellent Value♫♫ followed by Good Value♫. No value score may indicate that the price/quality combination is not unusual for that region, or that data is unavailable.
These value evaluations were generated with my proprietary Vino Value algorithm that melds objective prices with subjective quality scores by combining regression analysis, mathematical interpolation, price elasticity adjusted for personal experience as well as weighted scoring. Outputs are conditionally generated and relative for specific wine regions, rather than absolute. This algorithm has been calibrated based on tasting thousands of wines during several years. More information is here.
The wines below are red. The final section regards sweet red wines, or vin doux naturel (VDN), for which Rasteau is traditionally renowned. These are created by halting wine fermentation by adding liquor, which causes juice to retain residual sugar. These wines can be extraordinarily delicious, and often at notable value.
Note that only some Rasteau wines have been selected for tasting. If more than two wines from any producer have been written about, additional information is available on my Vino Voices website, and a link is provided.
Cave de Rasteau RhoneA. Les Encostes. Rasteau AOP. 2020. 95 points.
Grenache/Syrah blend with light aromas of cranberries, wet soil, strawberries and red plums. Medium body, supple and soft tannins. Lusciously easy drinking with flavors of black berries mid palate. Curls in your mouth like a wave.
Les Encostes from Cave de Rasteau RhoneA, Rasteau
Domaine les Evigneaux. Rasteau AOP. 2019. €13.00. 94 points. [Superlative Value ♫♫♫].
A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre/Carignan/Cinsault blend from predominantly old bush vine grapes aged in stainless steel, oak and 800-liter amphorae. Crunchy Grenache aromas are dominant, but other aromas are rich, slightly volatile and include red cherries and orange peel.
Cave de Rasteau RhonéA. Les Hauts du Village. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 93 points.
From vines that grow on slopes above the upper part of the Rasteau village, this 50/30/20 blend of Grenache/Mourvèdre/Syrah includes rich, ripe, approachable aromas and layered flavors that include chocolate and black berries. Firm tannic backbone. ‘This is a wine that can really age because of the tannins,’ said Frédéric Lavau of Domaine Lavau.
M. Chapoutier. Les Gradilles. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 89 – 90 points.
A Grenache/Syrah blend with fresh aromas of blackberries and brambles. Supple tannins, slightly tart and linear.
Domaine Des Deux Rivières. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 88 – 89 points.
From winemaker Julie Cornud, this Grenache/Mourvèdre/Syrah blend includes bright aromas of brambles, flint and cherries. Young and supple tannins with flavors of black cherries and even cashew.
Winemakers Antonin Coulon (left) and Vasco Perdigao
Domaine des Amadieu. La Copado. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 92 points.
A biodynamic wine made from Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. Opulent and distinct aromas of mandarins, red cherries, black licorice, black peppers and spice. Supple tannins with a brilliant acidity on the finish. An easy drinking wine to pair with fresh spring fruit.
Domaine Gramiller. Les Marcels. Rasteau AOP. 2022. €15.20. 93 points. [Good Value♫].
From winemaker Frédéric Julien. This Grenache/Mourvèdre blend includes aromas of maple syrup, mint, mandarins, wet granite and cherries. Exquisitely supple tannins in a billowing mid palate that includes flavors of Hershey chocolate, red plums and some walnuts.
Cave de Rasteau RhonéA. Prestige. 2022. 93 points.
A 70/30 Grenache/Syrah blend that represents a patchwork of grapes from different plots. Bright bouquet of tart young red fruit aromas including strawberries and red cherries, as well as some red licorice. Soft tannins and deft fruit flavors mid palate. Easily drinkable and slightly pepper with juicy acidity. Linear and not yet complex but easily approachable.
Prestige from Cave de Rasteau RhonéA, Rasteau, France
Domaine Font de Notre Dame. La Source. Rasteau AOP. 2022. €11.50. 94 points. [Superlative Value ♫♫♫].
An 80/10/10 Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend that includes succulent, supple and pronounced aromas from the region—such as blackberries, wet forest, sage, mandarins, tarragon and bacon. Crisp acidity and supple tannins in a firm but elegant medium bodied structure. Pair with shish kebab. A juicy, captivating wine.
Villa SaFranier. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 92 points.
50/50 blend of Grenache/Syrah from winemaker Claude Hilt. Succulent aromas of holly, ferns, cranberries and slight spice. Light body. Juicy acidity. Red plums and roast chestnuts and molasses flavors mid palate.
La Bastide Saint Dominique. La Cabane Rouge. Rasteau AOP. 2022. 94 points.
70/30 Grenache/Mourvèdre blend with quiet aromas that include hazelnuts, molasses and wild strawberries. Light and bright mid palate of red fruit that includes raspberries. Crisp acidity. A delicate spring wine reminiscent of a mellow Fleurie from Beaujolais. Consider pairing with strawberries. Delightful.
Domaine Brusset. Las Bastide. Rasteau AOP. 2022. €17.50. 92 points.
60/40 Grenache Noir/Mourvèdre blend with hefty aromas of dark fruit, green grass and herbs. Slightly tart from acidity. Tannins are supple, calm and linear, and mid body includes flavors of light red fruit. Soft finish. Perhaps pair with sashimi or a strawberry parfait.
Domaine Pique Basse. Rasteau AOC. 2021. €14.00. 92 points.
From winemaker Olivier Tropet, this is an 80/20 Grenache Noir/Mourvèdre blend. Aromas are a dark mixture of cooked lamb, tar, licorice and gorse. Smooth and easy drinking but greater differentiation in future vintages could make it even more exciting. Mid palate of black licorice flavors; firm tannins.
Domaine Chamfort, Rasteau, France
Domaine Fond Croze. Rasteau AOP. 2021. €14.00. 92 points. [Good Value♫].
A 80/10/10 Grenache Noir/Mourvèdre/Syrah blend with lively, sparky, fresh aromas of young red fruit—including strawberries—as well as toast. Supple tannins, quiet acidity, medium body with a bright finish. Linear but well balanced. 15.5% alcohol.
Domaine Caroline Bonnefoy. Rasteau AOC. 2020. €17.50. 93 points.[Good Value♫].
60/40 blend of Grenache/Syrah. Supple and forward aromas of caramel, raspberries, strawberries and some tar. Beautifully integrated acidity and fruit and excellent structure. Medium body with a mid-palate of red plums and black cherries. Brisk finish to this thoughtfully crafted wine.
Domaine Grands Bois. Marc. Rasteau AOP. 2020. 94 points.
Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend aged 11 months in 600 liter demi-muid barrels with strong aromas of red and black cherries and earth. Beautifully balanced and rich wine. Mid palate of light fed fruit that includes plums, treacle and roasted chestnuts on the finish. Somewhat complex. Rich and engaging.
Domaine La Collière. Espirit d’Argiles. Rasteau AOP. 2020. 94 points.
From winemaker Georges Perrot and a winery name meaning ‘the necklace.’ A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend with initial strawberry shortcake aromas, followed by aromas of red cherries and forest ferns. A round, supple, balanced and well-integrated wine. Mid palate flavors of plums and roast beef. Consider this a main course wine for beef or duck or a vegetarian Tajine. 15% alcohol.
Domaine Les Evigneaux. Rasteau AOP. 2020. €14.50. 95 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
From Frédéric Lavau, Bénédicte Bonnet and Benoit Levau comes this 53/23/19/5 blend of Grenache Noir/Carignan/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged 12 months in 228 liter barrels. Succulent and balanced aromas that include roast chestnuts, biltong and molasses. Syrah peeks out strongly. Firm and structured with a solid backbone; mildly complex. Meaty mid palate. Assertive with firm tannins on the finish. Memorably balanced and easily drinkable.
Domaine La Soumade. Cuvée Prestige. Rasteau AOP. 2020. 94 points.
A 70/20/10 blend of Grenache Noir/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged for 18 months in 50% concrete and 50% in 4,000 liter ‘foudre’ barrels with bright and engaging aromas of oxtail and minestrone soup, beef Bourguignon, black and red cherries. Firm structure with mid palate flavors of prunes, red plums and strawberries. Well balanced. Somewhat linear as of now though with dark and satisfying fruit flavors to pair with a main course. Consider with duck confit, lamb or a spicy vegetable tajine.
Sign pointing to Rasteau Syndicate of Winemakers
Domaine du Trapadis. Les Adrès. Rasteau AOP. 2019. €18.80. 90 points.
80/10/10 Grenache/Mourvèdre/Carignan blend with a bouncy and crunchy set of aromas of gorse, green grass, Oreo cookies and pine. Slightly oxidized, but beautiful crisp acidity and lean tannins.
Domaine Rabasse-Charavin. Cuvée Abel Charavin. Rasteau AOP. 2019. €21.00. 94 points.
70/30 old vine (up to 70 years) Grenache/Mourvèdre blend aged in concrete with slightly smoky pine aromas followed by those of red cherries and raspberries. Light, bright, snappy and engaging in the mouth with soft tannins and brittle acidity. Delightfully drinkable and friendly. More please! Pair with Mediterranean mezze. 15% alcohol.
Old vines at Domaine des Escaravailles, Rasteau, France
Domaine des Escaravailles. La Ponce. Râsteau AOP. 2021. €14.50. 93 points.
Escaravailles means beetles, because centuries ago the monks who dwelled at the site wore black habits that made them resemble that insect. 80/20 blend of Grenache/Syrah. (The estate does not use Mourvèdre because it does not fare well at that altitude.) Slightly syrupy aromas of rich and young red fruit. Flavors of red plums and licorice mid palate; sparky tannings.
Domaine des Escaravailles. Heritage 1924. Râsteau AOP. 2021. €20.00. 94 - 95 points. [Good Value♫].
Made from single plot 100% Grenache from 1924 vines grown in this highest and northernmost winery in the Rasteau appellation. Aged only in concrete. Aromas of young red fruit such as red currants as well as brownies. Soft tannins and fresh acidity in this beautifully well integrated wine with a mid-palate of red and dark plums.
Domaine des Escaravailles. Heritage 1924. Râsteau AOP. 2012. 95 points.
100% Grenache with aromas of leather, orange rind, figs, dark plumbs. A rich beauty with flavors that include Dutch licorice and dark brownies. Family co-owner Madeline Ferran says that “When we bottle wine we want it ready to drink. Not too expensive or tannic. Our philosophy - wine is to be shared.”
[Additional tasting notes regarding Domaine des Escaravailles are here.]
Madeline Ferran of Domaine des Escaravailles, Rasteau
Domaine Grand Nicolet. Terre des Bertrand. Râsteau AOP. 2022.
Grenache/Syrah/Carignan blend made from 40-year-old vines that grow over red clay coated by huge white pebbles that reflect heat to vines. Light aromas of hickory and blueberries. A light touch of red and blue fruit in the mouth.
Domaine Grand Nicolet. Terre des Bertrand. Vielles Vignes. Râsteau AOP. 2022. €11.80. 92 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre old vine blend with aromas of earth and petrol. Flavors include black pepper, blueberries, dark plums mid palate.
Domaine Grange Blanche. Heritage. Râsteau AOP. 2022. €13.00. 89 - 90 points.
This 55/35/10 blend of Grenache/Syrah/Carignan & Mourvèdre old vines (25 years) ages in concrete and includes clean, fresh aromas of raspberries and spice. Light, fresh, bright acidity with mid palate of raspberries, red currants, red plums and red cherries.
Domaine Grange Blanche. L’Archange. Râsteau AOP. 2020. €17.00. 92 points.
A 55/45 blend of Grenache/Syrah that ages in 2,500 liter Austrian oak foudre. Distinct and focused aromas of red plums, wet earth, forest, raspberries and some tobacco. Bright acidity in this wine with coherent tight flavors of red plums and raspberries mid palate.
[Additional tasting notes regarding Domaine Grange Blanche are here.]
Domaine Grange Blanche, Rasteau, Rhone Valley
Domaine La Luminaire. Luminaris. Côtes du Rhône Villages. 2022. 92 points €13.00. 92 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
From a 5th generation wine producing domaine in northern Rasteau with a name that means ‘light’ because during full moon the leaves of olives trees glimmered. The proximity to the forest of Rasteau keeps biodiversity high. 90/10 blend of old vine (40 years) Clairette (both white and pink) and Bourboulenc grapes aged partially in 500 liter barrels. Perfume of lavender and roses. Soft and creamy mid palate flavors of apple juice, white pears. Pair with poultry. 12.5% alcohol.
Domaine La Luminaire. Luminaris. Côtes du Rhône Villages. 2021. €14.50. 94 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
A Grenache/Syrah/Carignan/Mourvèdre blend. Unremarkable young red fruit aromas as well as some pepper. In the mouth the wine includes soft and delicate fruit and tannins and luminescent acidity. Owner Julie Paolucci recommends pairing with roast beef or duck.
[Additional tasting notes regarding Domaine La Luminaire are here.]
Domaine de Beaurenard. Râsteau AOP. 2021. 96 points.
From winemaker Antonin Coulon comes this Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre blend that is Grenache dominant. Also added is 3% juice from white grapes. Hearty and commanding aromas of maple syrup, some tar, black pepper, charcoal, smoke, dark chocolate. In the mouth this is a chocolate petit four with a crème filling. Silky, deft tannins, but also broad shouldered. A little gritty texture of tannins on the finish.
Domaine de Beaurenard, Rasteau, France
Domaine Chamfort. La Planne. Rasteau AOP. 2021.
A 70/30 Grenache/Syrah blend from the domaine of Vasco Perdigao. Stout aromas of black licorice and cocoa powder. Soft tannins but bold expression. Beautifully integrated bright red and black fruit with tannins. Consider pairing with duck breast. Wonderful.
Domaine M. Boutin. Rasteau AOP. 2022. €11.50. 94 points. [Superlative Value ♫♫♫].
A 60/10/10/10/10 blend of Grenache/Carignan/Cinsault/Syrah/Mourvèdre that are vinified separately before blending. Light ruby colored. Light aromas of red fruit—raspberries, black cherries. Succulent acidity, textured tannins, well structured, mouth water acidity. Red and black cherries mid palate, some salinity on the finish. Mikael prefers ‘less structure and more flavor.’ 800 bottles produced.
Domaine M. Boutin. Rasteau AOP. 2019. 95 Points.
Blend of Grenache/Carignan/Cinsault/Syrah/Mourvèdre. Wow! Aroma blast! Black peppers and black cherries. A juicy fruity beauty with flavors of red and black and maraschino cherries and plump red plumbs and some spice. Firm textured tannins. Only aged in concrete to maintain freshness.
[Additional tasting note regarding Domaine M. Boutin is here.]
Mikael Boutin of Domaine Mikael Boutin, Rasteau, France
Domaine des Couteaux des Travers. Les Travès. Râsteau AOP. 2022. 94 points.
Fresh soft spring aromas of blueberries, raspberries, orange slices and sage/garrigue. Light and easily drinkable with deft tannins. Mandarins and blueberry muffins and cocoa powder mid palate and a sultana snap on the finish. Supremely delicious, pair with chocolate lava cake.
Domaine des Couteaux des Travers. Mondona. Râsteau AOP. 2021. €17.00. 93 points. [Good Value♫].
50/30/20 blend of Grenache Noir/Syrah/old vine Carignan from Julien Larum. Light, bright, jumpy dazzling, spright and sparky spring red fruit aromas including raspberries and black cherries. Soft and approachable and delicate tannins. Also aromas of a Hershey’s cookies and cream bar. Delicate light body with scintillating juicy acidity. Red and yellow and white plums and cassis mid palate, with raspberries and black cherries on finish. Soft and lovely, elegant beauty. Think Fleurie from Beaujolais, but lighter.
Domaine des Girasols. L’arbe de Vie. Râsteau AOP. 2019. €16.70. 94 points. [Good Value♫].
Grenache/Syrah/Carignan/Mourvèdre/Cinsault blend. Fresh and firm aromas of blackberries and wild strawberries. A Rhone electrolyte thirst quencher with slight salinity. Textured body and tannins that provide a firm structure. Strawberries and some black beef mid palate. Excellent for light picnic fare.
Domaine des Girasols. Lampereuse. Rasteau AOP. 2018. €17.60. 93 points. [Good Value♫].
50/50 blend of Syrah/Grenache. Slightly oxidized. Flavors of marmalade, orange rind, black licorice, cedar and sage on the finish. Bright and well-integrated acidity.
[Additional tasting note regarding Domaine des Girasols is here.]
Julien Larum of Domaine des Girasols, Rasteau, France
Domaine Bressy-Masson. Râsteau AOP. 2021. €15.00. 94 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
80/20 blend of Grenache/Syrah from 40-year-old vines. Aromas of bacon and blueberries, blackberries, cinnamon and nutmeg. Flavors of Dorp salty Dutch licorice, dark fruit and a smidgen of black pepper. Deliciously drinkable with buoyant acidity. Lip tingling spicy tannins. 15% alcohol. Winemaker Paul Emilie says he ‘likes the wine fruity, with a little sugar.’
Domaine Bressy-Masson. Le Jas. Râsteau AOP. 2020. €25.00. 96+ points. [Good Value♫].
59/22/19 blend of Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre aged in new and old Burgundy barrels. Serious perfume of lilacs, roses, gorse, leather. Hefty attack and black licorice mid palate with some cinnamon on the finish. Complex, structured, excellent. Paul Emilie Masson and his partner in life and business, Laurent Brechet mentioned that ‘Grenache is our favorite.’
Vin Doux Naturel (VDN)
Cave de Rasteau RhonéA. Hors d’Age. Vin Doux Naturel. 95 points.
This amber colored sweet wine is made from Grenache, Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir and aged at least 60 months in oak. A rollicking and friendly set of aromas that include orange rind, almonds, pears and brandy. Layered and complex with flavors of light apples and oranges.
Hors d'Age Vin Doux Naturel - Cave de Rasteau RhonéA
Domaine du Trapadis. Vin Doux Naturel. Garnet. Râsteau AOP. 2022.
€16.50. 95 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
Made via a process of liquor being added to stop the fermentation of a wine. This is a 90/10 blend of Grenache Noir/Carignan still young and purple colored. Aromas of strawberries and raspberries. Flavors of a raspberry parfait. Think spring—shepherding sheep downhill during a time of strawberry picking. Generous, delicate syrupy juice. Yum. 15.5% alcohol.
Domaine Fond Croze. Tou Dou. Vin Doux Naturel. Rasteau Garnet. AOP. 2022. €15.00.
100% Grenache Noir. Young aromas of still fermenting juice and raspberries, some cedar, honey and almonds. Both spicy and sweet in the mouth. Epic. Mid palate flavors of golden syrup and also spices such as cumin as well as honey. 16.5% alcohol.
Coteaux des Travers. Vin Doux Naturel. Garnet. Râsteau AOP. 2022.
100% Grenache. Aromas of honey and plump sultanas and some barnyard funk. A brilliant sweet red and honeyed wine. Think pineaux de charentes of Bordeaux meets amaretto. 17% alcohol.
Domaine La Soumade. Vin Doux Naturel. Garnet. Râsteau AOP. 2022.
€13.00. 94 points. [Superlative Value ♫♫♫].
100% Grenache Noir. Slight rancio oxidized aromas of sultanas, honey and raspberries. Fresh, elegant, fruity and sweet mid palate. Pair with a strawberry parfait dessert. 17% alcohol.
Rasteau village, Vaucluse, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France
Domaine des Escaravailles. Vin Doux Naturel. Râsteau Rosé. AOP. 2023. €14.00. 94 points. [Excellent Value♫♫].
Made from dark Grenache only when conditions optimal. This was last made eight eyars ago. Bright and crisp aromas; lovely balance mid palate. The family grandfather was 14 years old when he began making wines; he is now 81 and still producing.
Domaine des Escaravailles. Vin Doux Naturel. Râsteau Garnet. AOP. 2022. €14.00. 95 - 96 points. [Superlative Value ♫♫♫].
Sweet red wine made from Grenache Noir old vines that spends 12 months in oak. Piquant aromas and flavors of rich black cherries, blueberries, nougat and golden syrup.
Domaine Grand Nicolet. Vin Doux Naturel. Râsteau AOP. 2004. €18.50. 96 points. [Good Value♫].
This 100% Grenache aged for 12 years in oak. Only 500 bottles produced. Aromas of orange rind, lime drops and leather. Flavors of maraschino cherries, honey and a sliver of mint. Firm bright acidity. Superb!
Domaine La Luminaire. Vin Doux Naturel. Garnet. 2022. 96 points.
100% low yield Grenache from a hilly plot—harvested early October and fermented with natural yeast. Aromas of blueberries, dark plums, slight sage, gorse and oranges. A dark beauty in the mouth with soft tannins. Winemaker recommends pairing with a pepper tenderloin or blue cheese. She thinks the wine is ‘something very special in Rasteau. We have to keep doing this.’ 1,000 bottles produced annually.
Domaine La Luminaire. Vin Doux Naturel. Garnet. 2016. 96+ points.
Blueberry aromas. Full fresh mouthful with beautiful acidity. A stunning wine. Julie recommends pairing with fig pie and goat cheese and rosemary herbs.
Domaine Bressy-Masson. Vin Doux Naturel. Râsteau Amber. AOP. 2021. 94 points.
Amber sweet wine that is pink colored. Aromas of Amaretto and cognac. Silky, creamy, voluptuous tannins. Generous and delightfully drinkable with a mid-palate of blue and red fruit that includes red plums.
Domaine Bressy-Masson. Vin Doux Naturel. Râsteau Garnet. AOP. 2023. 96 points.
Aromas of milk chocolate and menthol from this 16.5% alcohol wine that ages six to eight months in oak. Juicy black currant flavors, as well as raspberries, golden syrup, honey and nutmeg. Complex and delightful.
