One of the finest wines to date from this estate as well as from the appellation, the 2016 Rasteau La Ponce shows the exuberance and depth of the vintage, yet also has thrilling purity of fruit and perfect balance. Revealing a deep purple color as well as classic notes of blackberries, crushed rocks, graphite, and violets, it offers a full-bodied, ultra-pure, polished style on the palate that gains depth, richness and length with time in the glass. It?s a great, great Rasteau that readers should snatch up. This Rasteau-based estate is run by Gilles Ferran and is one of my go-to estates when looking for terrific wines that over-deliver.

My favorite of the scarab beetle wines (that's the translation of Escaravailles) was the 2016 Rasteau la Ponce, a blend of Grenache (aged in concrete) and Syrah (aged in wood). Dried spices, cherries, and blueberries swirl together in outrageous harmony in this full-bodied, creamy-textured beauty that doesn't lack for richness or vibrancy. It should drink well for at least another 5-7 years.