2014 Domaine Les Aphillanthes Rasteau “1921”

“One of the Finest Estates in the Southern Rhône”

Winemaker Philippe Cambie — Robert Parker’s 2010 “Winemaker of the Year” — has authored an incredible 25 wines rated 98 points and above by Parker — fifteen of which have reached the apex of 100-point perfection. At Domaine Les Aphillanthes, which Parker has called “one of the finest estates in the southern Rhône for their selection of Côtes du Rhône-Villages and, more recently, Rasteau,” Cambie produced a knockout “1921” Rasteau from near-sacred vines originally planted in the same year as the name. These ancient vines snake 100 feet deep into sandy-loam soils, yielding BB-sized berries, that deliver a wine brimming with fine-grained tannins and a stunning balance of pure earthen flavors with cocoa-dusted dark berry fruit.

As soon as Daniel Boulle inherited Domaine Les Aphillanthes 10-hectare estate, he proceeded to snap up one excellent parcel after another, including the Rasteau vineyard planted in 1921, situated at the region’s highest elevation — and which produced this wine. Keenly aware of how special these old, elevated vines are, Boulle has worked these vines with Cambie, a partnership that often has critics drawing comparisons to “flying winemaker” Michel Rolland’s hallowed partnerships.

The 2014 Domaine Les Aphillanthes Rasteau “1921” captures the brilliance of Boulle and Cambie’s collaboration through its full body, stunning red fruit, and nuanced minerality. Lovers of top-shelf Châteauneuf-du-Pape will revel in this Rasteau for its brilliant structure and quality, which hits a truly respectable under-$25 price tag.

• ABV 14.50%
• 1 hour
• Now – 2032
• % Rhone Blend
• Serving temperature – 60°