Last night dinner I went through three Rasteau different wines, two from Domaine la Soumade and one from Les Halos de Jupiter, Philippe Cambie's own label.
The 2009 Les Halos de Jupiter was a fantastic red wine which likely could be enjoyed for many years to come. But why wait when friends who enjoy wine are around. When I compare this to the 09 Les Halos Gigondas or Vacqueyras it's a stunning departure. The latter two are big, stoney and minerally in both style and taste, giving off more of the terroir or as Rhone critic Jonathan Livingston-Learmouth refers to it as STGT-soil to glass transfer.
The Rasteau was a very different style wine. Best described as a fruit bomb, as it was all rich, ripe and stunning red and black fruit, with elegance and style.
Up next were two 2000's from Domaine la Soumade. The Cuvee Confiance, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre is best thought of as very well made, perfectly balanced and structured high end Cotes du Rhone Village style wine. Technically, varietally and style were all correct, and it was a very enjoyable wine, that if not in the company of the Halos de Jupiter and the 2000 Soumade Fleur de Confiance, it would have been a very different story.
The "Flower of Confidence" was just downright stunning. Made from 90 percent Grenache and the balance Syrah, this wine was something that could be easily aged another 10 years. It was pristine in color, aromas and flavor. It was a muscular giant that clearly shows why Soumade is one of the Rhone's top producers and easily in the top two or three in Rasteau….Jammy black raspberry, black plums, tar and more, I could drink this wine all night.