Domaine Les Aphillanthes 2019 Rasteau

Southern Rhone Valley France
Jeb Dunnuck 93 Rating
The 2019 Rasteau comes from ancient vines (planted in 1921) and is 92% Grenache, 7% Mourvedre, and 1% Carignan, which I believe was raised in tank. It takes plenty of air to open up and offers a striking Provençal bouquet of sweet black cherries, flowery incense, peppery garrigue, lavender, and saddle leather. It actually reminds me of walking through a street market in Vaison-La-Romaine in the south of France with its complex, incredibly satisfying Provençal aromatics. These characteristics all carry over to the palate, where the wine is medium to full-bodied, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe yet present tannins, and a great finish. It doesn't have the sheer elegance of, say, the 2016 or 2010, but it's a beauty. Give it a decant if drinking any time soon. It should put a smile on your face any time over the coming decade or more. regular $29.99