Domaine Gourt de Mautens - Rasteau Villages 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About wine:

Less powerful than vintages of the past, but still as generous, this 2009 delights with its smoothness and fullness. It needs to be left to age in the cellar for a few more years.

About the estate:

When talking to Jérôme Bressy, a knowledgeable and fascinating man, it is a pleasure to listen to his wealth of knowledge about the techniques of yesteryear, the ancestral practices that gave rise to the great wines of Vaucluse. Attuned to his terroir and the diversity of his vines, he is a rare craftsman in the wine-growing world. He is an exceptional figure, producing IGP Vaucluse wines that are true expressions of the Rasteau terroir, reflecting the old varieties treated with respect and care. In the cellar, patience and experience accompany time to produce some of the most accomplished wines in the southern Rhône Valley. With each vintage, he raises his standards to achieve tangible perfection. Once again, he has demonstrated this this year.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Stunning with its aromas of blackberry, licorice, smoke, chocolate, and hints of leather, the 2009 Rasteau is a blend of Grenache and other grape varieties, aged in a combination of demi-muid, foudre, and concrete vats. It has a full-bodied power and massive tannins, but remains smooth, with richness and great depth. To be enjoyed over the next decade or more.