WINE AGENCY
La Soumade
Rasteau
Domaine La Soumade, led by the Romero family, is the leading estate in Rasteau where soils are mainly clay and limestone. The high proportion of clay (red, yellow and blue clay) makes Grenache dark and full-bodied.
Today the estate comprises 26 hectares in Rasteau with Grenache being the predominant grape varietal. Many of La Soumade vines are between 50 and 100 years old.
Harvesting is done by hand. Winemaking is traditional and the amount of oak ageing has been reduced in recent years with 40 hl foudres from Austrian barrel maker Stockinger.
Rasteau
80% Grenache noir, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Yield : 38 hectolitres per hectare.
Age of vines : 15 to 30 years
18 month maturation of wine on fine lees in stainless steel
Wine Advocate (91/100)
"It's dark, rich and chocolaty, with plum and spice cake notes carried on a full-bodied, creamy-textured palate. It's long and lush on the finish, where it folds in attractive hints of licorice. It should drink well for 6-7 years."
JebDunnuck.com (90/100)
"An outstanding wine, the 2017 Rasteau (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre) offers a more dark fruited style as well as notes of cedarwood, garrigue, and ground pepper. Medium to full-bodied, it’s elegant, polished, and beautifully balanced. Drink bottles over the coming 5-7 years or so."
Rasteau "Prestige"
70% Grenache noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Yield : 35 hectolitres per hectare
Age of vines : 30 to 50 years
18 month maturation of wine on fine lees : 50% in 4000 litres wooden casks (“foudres”) and 50% in concrete
Wine Advocate (92/100)
"The 2017 Rasteau Prestige (30- to 50-year-old vines) has put on some weight during the past year, while retaining the charm it had as a tank sample. Pepper-cured meat notes accent black cherries in the full-bodied, expansive wine. It's plush and cuddly yet still structured enough to carry the ripe flavors to a long, vibrant finish. "
JebDunnuck.com (92/100)
"The 2017 Rasteau Cuvée Prestige is as classic as they come and offers plenty of dark berry fruits as well as notes of garrigue, pepper, and cedary herbs. With good depth of fruit, medium to full body, and a seamless texture, it’s a beautiful Rasteau to enjoy over the coming decade."
Rasteau "Confiance"
70% Grenache noir, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre
Yield : 25-35 hectolitres per hectare
Age of vines : 50 to 100 years
18 month maturation of wine on fine lees in 4000 litre wooden casks (“foudres”)
Wine Advocate (96/100)
"Nearly as great as the Fleur, the 2016 Rasteau Cuvee Confiance is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Raspberry and mint notes appear on the nose, followed by a full-bodied, rich, velvety wine with a never-ending finish. Despite the incredible richness and concentration, the wine remains fresh and fragrant, lithe and agile, turning silky and lingering. Another tremendous effort from the Romero family."
Rasteau "Fleur de Confiance"
90% Grenache noir, 10% Syrah
Yield : 15-20 hectolitres per hectare
Age of vines : 50 to 100 years
18 month maturation of wine on fine lees in 600 litre wooden barrels (“foudres”)
Wine Advocate (97/100)
"The most impressive Rasteau to have ever passed these lips, the 2016 Rasteau Cuvee Fleur de Confiance is a full-bodied, richly muscular wine that takes all the warmth and power of the
appellation and somehow turns it elegant. Black cherries, licorice and cocoa all come together seamlessly into a cascade of spice, cola and fruit, then ends with great length, soft tannins and finely ground stone. The secret to this 4,000-bottle cuvée is old-vine Grenache grown on blue clay."