Andre Romero

The top wine is really singing in 2012. A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the former aged in oval vats, the latter in second-fill barrique, this is immediately engaging, with its nose of Scottish heather and tapenade, and a palate which is concentrated and yet relatively light on its feet, its alcohol level, although by no means immodest, still a little lower than sometimes.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Rasteau has a slightly warmer microclimate than some of the other ‘named’ villages, with more clay in its terroir than many. It may or may not be related to these facts that André Romero is seldom disinclined to question received wisdom. In this case he is full of praise for 2012, which is not contentions, but far less complimentary about 2013, which he cites as dilute and disappointing…let’s see if his opinion has changed a year down the line. In any event, in terms of the matter in hand, the 2012s look very promising indeed.

André Romero has been dubbed the “Superstar of Rasteau” by no less a figure than Robert Parker, and is equally passionate about his wines and his beloved Marseilles football club. Self-taught and adhering to the virtues of low yields and extended fermentation, Romero has invested in an automatic pigeage system along Burgundian lines which ensures maximum extraction. The resulting wine is soft, yet sturdy, with berry flavours and a whiff of wood-smoke betraying its provenance.

From a single 3,000-bottle lot, farmed at low yields on distinctive, almost Germanic blue clay soils, this is very complete and finely structured. Floral aromatics, and even hints of jasmine and camphor, are followed by a rich, plummy palate which will yield more as the years unveil its qualities.

This great vintage has brought even greater selection of fruit. The wine has not seen wood (as it did in previous incarnations) and is very aromatic, reminiscent of the Norths Cte-Rtie, in fact. This is beautifully rich and wonderfully velvety on the finish.

Rhône 2009 - Berrys Recommends
Domaine la Soumade is undergoing a real change, with the winery being expanded and modernised, whilst the winemaking methods are now following a more traditional approach. Gone are barriques, replaced by the much larger 'fudre' to impose less oak character and ensure the fruit really sings. This Rasteau shows very forward, expressive fruit and plenty of depth. More structure than the Cote du Rhone (£60 for 12 in bond) but still with an easy, approachable style.
(Martyn Rolph, BBR Fine Wine)

This is a powerful and concentrated wine with a saline mineral foundation and notes of pepper and spice complementing the savoury, almost wild, notes of the Mourvèdre. Hints of wood smoke and tar herald the potential for mid-term ageing.
(Simon Field MW BBR Buyer)