2007 Rasteau-Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cuvée Confiance, Domaine la Soumade

Best Value Southern Rhône
There are 100+-year-old vines used in Soumade's Rasteau cuvée, la Confiance. The sheer weight of fruit is striking, starting quite pretty and delicate but ameliorating to cassis and denser notes. They’ve managed this without force and this would make a fascinating wine come 2017 and even beyond. A tour de force for a wonderful domaine.
(Tom Cave, BBR Cellar Plan Manager)

This Rasteau-Côtes du Rhône Villages is a stunning effort. Liqueur de cassis, kirsch and macerated plums all combine on the palate but the most astonishing feature is the wonderful floral aromatic character with hints of violets and even bacon rind that one more normally associates with a Côte-Rôtie. Superb.
(Simon Field MW, Berrys’ Rhône Buyer)

A brilliant effort, the 2007 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Rasteau Cuvee Confiance possesses sweet tannin, a touch of toasty oak, and copious amounts of black cherry, black currant, chocolate, and espresso notes. Broad, expansive flavors, a beautiful texture, and a long finish suggest this offering will evolve over the next 12-15 years.
(Robert Parker - Wine Advocate - Feb 09)