Domaine Gourt de Mautens - Rasteau Villages 2009

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

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

About the estate:

When speaking with Jérôme Bressy—a scholar and a captivating conversationalist—one is delighted to hear his wealth of knowledge about the traditional techniques of yesteryear, those time-honored practices that gave rise to the great wines of Vaucluse. Attentive to his terroir and the varietal diversity of his vineyard, he is a rare artisan in the wine-growing world. He stands out through his Vaucluse IGP wines, true reflections of the Rasteau terroir and faithful expressions of old grape varieties treated with respect and care. In the cellar, patience and experience work hand in hand with time to craft some of the most accomplished wines of the southern Rhône Valley. With each vintage, he raises the bar to achieve tangible perfection. Once again, he has demonstrated this this year.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Stunning with its aromas of blackberry, licorice, smoke, and chocolate, along with a hint of leather, the 2009 Rasteau is a blend of Grenache and other grape varieties, aged in a combination of demi-muids, large oak casks, and concrete tanks. It possesses full-bodied power and massive tannins, yet remains smooth, with richness and great depth. It will be ready to drink over the next decade or even longer.