2018 Rasteau, Domaine Combe Julière

An opulent wine with a depth of concentrated black fruit. The tannins are present but enjoyable as they are polished and integrated. Black fruits on the nose are echoed on the palate with a touch of liquorice and spice through to a long, silky finish.  The 2018 summer was very hot and dry in the southern Rhône, which allowed the grapes to reach excellent maturity, resulting in expressive wines with wonderful fruit concentration.

The vineyard is situated in the Rasteau appellation on hillside slopes which offer good drainage and sun exposure. The soil layers are complex due to their various origins. Brown clay, which comprises sediment from the Alps from the miocène period, and grey clay, which is made up of sediment from algae, overlap here at root level imparting extra complexity to the wine. The sunny weather and strong northern wind, known as the Mistral, keep the vines dry and healthy. The vines have an average age of 70 years and are cultivated according to sustainable methods.