Lavau Rasteau

Has matured nicely

Very dark plum purple red. On the nose: leather, dark red fruits - mulberry, plum underlain by copper-rich herbs, a little dirty. Medium full in the mouth, dry black fruit, tannins. I started expecting to like this as an example of a slightly 'heavy' Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine, by I ended up actively disliking it and not being able to finish the bottle, I don't know why.

Throws a heavy sediment, so decant. Dark plum-red. Big meaty nose, old leather, dried black fruits, a little pepper, thick tomato paste. In the mouth the tannins are still softening, a little 'dry leather', medium-full to full bodied; powerful weighty body, perfumed (heavy attar of roses) at the back of the mouth, a little capsicum (green bell-pepper), grilled brown mushrooms. Good length. Very nearly a Gigondas.

unbalanced. no fruit left. tastes like alcohol. tasted by 4 others and they agreed this bottle was not very good. we didn't drink.

Deep damask purple red - no browning. A powerful nose that needs some air; spicey (mace/nutmeg/cinnamon), liquorice, soft leather, lilac/rose floral element, pepper. Some tannins still evident, leather, pepper, strawberry fruits, some garrigue herbs (bay/thyme etc). Excellent length, old leather and roses. Good with food. Excellent, what you hope for in a Gigondas, but perhaps lacking a little complexity. May gain a point or two over the next couple of years.

First of half-a-dozen. Nose spicey (mace), hint of geranium leaves. Very pleasant full body but still immature, needs another a year to do it justice

This is an outstanding bottle for the price. Medium bodied with the perfect balance of fruit, spice, and earthiness. Will buy again and again.

Well balanced

Lacks a real personality, but nice enough for price; smooth, easy drinking, well balanced.

Very good Syrah/Grenache blend. Lots of dark fruit, some licorice and plum sauce. Medium body with a nice long finish. Will buy again.