On Sale: $34.94 (was: $39.94)*
"While better known for their top notch Chateauneuf-du-Papes, Domaine de Beaurenard also produces superb Rasteau wines." - Wine Advocate
The village of Rasteau may have only been upgraded to AOC in 2010, but 8th generation Domaine de Beaurenard has quietly been making one of the village's finest wines for decades, and its value is off the charts. Beaurenard is well known as one of the “oldest estate bottlers of Chateauneuf'' with an “extraordinary track record” (Parker), but their wonderful Rasteau ‘Les Argile Bleues’ is the real sleeper of their portfolio. The biodynamically farmed, Grenache dominant cuvee is “seriously impressive” (Dunnuck), with a level of depth and concentration that we are used to seeing from its more illustrious (and $$$) Southern Rhone neighbor!
Before Rasteau was upgraded to AOC, Domaine de Beaurenard was already “renowned for their substantial Cotes du Rhone from the village of Rasteau” (Parker), and their work helped elevate Rasteau to be considered a “match for anything coming out of the Southern Rhône” (Dunnuck). ‘Les Argiles Bleues’ is “usually one of the finest wines from this appellation” (Wine Advocate), thanks to old vine Grenache planted on the area’s famous pebbly blue soils. The 2018 ‘Les Argiles Bleues’ is made just like a top Châteauneuf du Pape, with Grenache raised in tank and Syrah in large foudre. Qualitatively speaking, this Rasteau will go toe to toe with many Chateauneuf du Pape costing noticeably more, so we strongly encourage you to stock up by the case!
91-93+ points, Jeb Dunnuck "A step up, with more depth and density, the 2018 Rasteau Les Argiles Bleues is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was brought up in foudre. Incredibly pure notes of cassis, black raspberries, new leather, chocolate, and graphite give way to a full-bodied, structured Rasteau that has all the right components, yet will benefit from a year or two of bottle age. It will last for a decade or more. It’s a seriously impressive 2018."
*Offer publication date January 12, 2021. Pricing and availability subject to change.