Full Pull:
The 2007 vintage of this was Rasa’s coming-out party, and the momentum has never stopped since. Both the 2007 and 2008 vintages received positive reviews from Paul Gregutt (Wine Enthusiast), Harvey Steiman (Wine Spectator), Jay Miller (Wine Advocate), and Stephen Tanzer (IWC). None of those publications has yet weighed in on the 2009, probably a good thing with regards to availability.

The 2009 contains 71% Syrah (Les Collines, Seven Hills, Portteus), 14% Grenache (Minnick), 12% Mourvèdre (Minnick), and 3% Viognier (Les Collines). It gets two years in 25% new French oak, and the fleshy fruit of the warm 2009 vintage is on fine display here. Two aspects compete for attention: complexity and texture. For complexity, we see some telltale Les Collines aromas and flavors – floral notes (lavender) and resinous underbrush – mixed with deep black fruits, smoky bacon fat, and nuances of herbes de provence from the Grenache and leathery spice from the Mourvedre. There’s a lot going on here.

Texturally, Billo Naravane’s winemaking really shines. He is a master of suppleness and seamlessness. This brings pleasure from the moment it hits your lips until well after you swallow. It’s plump without ever seeming ponderous, and it coats the palate with its intense, complex flavors.

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