Soumade, Rasteau Fleur Confiance

Soumade, Rasteau Fleur ConfianceAmbitious modern style, with a wall of mocha and toast fronting the dark cherry and bramble notes before taking over again on the finish. Fleshes out somewhat in the glass, but leaves an overly firm impression of oak. Drink now. 200 cases imported. JM

This is excellent for its level

Cellarmaster Hervé Deschamps’ first solo vintage and still one of his best

polished tannins and a penetrating finish

terrific quality at this level and highly recommended

both of which add breadth to the citrus and floral infused white orchard fruit aromas

Bright ruby-red

Here too there is a lovely sense of energy and punch to the muscular but not really rustic broad-shouldered flavors that also possess very good if not sensational mid-palate concentration before culminating in a balanced and palate coating finish

(from a huge 3 ha parcel superbly placed high on the slope

they produce a white Chateauneuf du Pape and a number of smoking Cotes du Rones

but held back for seven years in bottle prior to release)

I'd pair this with braised meat or any dish involving precious truffles from Alba

The wine was aged in French oak