Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau 2018

Domaine de Beaurenard has been making upper echelon Chateaneuf du Pape for years, but I hadn’t had a Rasteau from them until I ordered it at Balthazar. Oooo was it good. This biodynamic baby Chateneauf danced in the glass with inviting aromas of black cherry, licorice and blackberry pie with a full body of silky supple fruit that all harmonized together beautifully. When I tell you it was the perfect compliment to the steak tartare, I mean it was a match made in heaven. I had to get a second glass before I finished the dish.

Upon getting home, I did a little homework. Turns out the wine experts had already gotten to it, with two 90+ scores to its credit. First came from The Wine Advocate who declared, “this biodynamically run estate’s 2018 Rasteau is a solid alternative for much less money”. Then came the 92-point review from Jeb Dunnuck who called the 80% Grenache, 17% syrah, 3% mourvedre blend, “terrific” as well as noting, “ with classic pepper, earth, and spice notes, it should easily be an outstanding wine.” It sure is.