The Rhone has experienced a rebirth in the past few years. With a stretch of ideal growing seasons and some highly rated wines, aficionados everywhere have been searching for great Rhone reds.
    Most people are familiar with... Read More »

The Rhone has experienced a rebirth in the past few years. With a stretch of ideal growing seasons and some highly rated wines, aficionados everywhere have been searching for great Rhone reds.
    Most people are familiar with the Rhone's most famous appellation, Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CDP). However, two smaller regions just northeast of CDP are Gigondas and Vacqueyras. Like CDP, these regions boast vibrant reds and wonderfully expressive terroir. One standout we can't say enough about is the 2010 Mas de Restanques, Vacqueyras.
    We were overwhelmingly surprised when we recently tasted the Restanques; its aromas literally jumped from the glass and filled the room. We poured it last week at our in-store tasting and the response was so overwhelming we had to feature it nationally in this week's Merchant's Pick.
    While the wine sees no oak, it is luscious and vibrant. It is a classic GSM blend (i.e., mostly Grenache and Mourvedre with a touch of Syrah).
    The 2010 Restanques boasts highly expressive, room-filling aromas of black and blue fruits, violet and spice-cake. Fleshy and smooth on entry, then tighter in the middle, offering juicy black raspberry and boysenberry flavors lifted by tangy acidity. The wine puts on weight with air and finishes seamless and long.
    We don't typically comment on the wine's packaging, but the Restanques winery uses hefty glass and a sharp, elegant label, which in this case reinforces the attention and quality of the wine produced. Enjoy! Read Less »