The 2018 Domaine de Beaurenard Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau is a proprietary blend predominantly composed of 80% Grenache, 17% Syrah, and 3% Mourvèdre. Produced by Domaine de Beaurenard, this wine hails from the Rasteau sub-appellation within the Cotes Du Rhone Villages in the Southern Rhone region of France. It is a red wine with a robust 15.0% alcohol content, sealed with a traditional cork closure.
This vintage has garnered favorable reviews from professional critics. Jeb Dunnuck, writing for jebdunnuck.com, awarded it a commendable score of 92 points. Dunnuck describes the wine as having a "medium to full-bodied, fruit-forward, balanced style" with notable "blue fruit character" typical of the vintage. He further elaborates on the wine's profile, mentioning "classic pepper, earth, and spice notes," which contribute to its overall excellence. Dunnuck concludes that it "should easily be an outstanding wine."
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate also provided a positive review, granting the 2018 Rasteau a score of 90 points. Reviewer JC praises the wine as a "solid alternative for much less money" compared to Châteauneuf du Pape, noting the estate's biodynamic practices. This blend offers "scents of sun-warmed stones, hints of garrigue and bold flavors of black cherries and blackberries." JC describes the wine as "medium to full-bodied and supple, with a round, silky feel on the palate." The review highlights the wine's finish, marked by "hints of dark chocolate and a cocoa powder-like texture."
In summary, the 2018 Domaine de Beaurenard Cotes du Rhone Villages Rasteau is a well-regarded wine with a rich and balanced profile. It features prominent fruit flavors complemented by earthy and spicy notes, making it a compelling choice for those seeking quality and value from the Southern Rhone region. The reviews from Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate underscore its potential as an outstanding wine.