In the 25 years I have been in the wine industry, I have never seen a year like 2016 for European reds.

Not only was it great throughout Italy, but Southern Rhone might have had the best vintage of the last 100 years.

I visited Southern Rhone and Provence in 2016 and picked grapes at different vineyards. A fantastic wine experience, I was fortunate enough to stay with Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Their Rasteau - a wine I first tasted there - is a beauty from 2016!

"A blockbuster!! The nose is super seductive with high-toned black cherry and smoky garrigue notes. On the palate, it is fresh, dense, and silky; this is the most complete wine Guillaume has made in my opinion and will rival the best examples of CDP in the great 2016 vintage." Importer

What We Love About This Wine

The 2016 Rasteau Le Maestro is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah.  The old vines thrive in the limestone and clay soil famous for this region.

This versatile Rhone red pairs well with cheese, fish, or fowl.

I had it the other night with some stinky cheese and sat in front of my fireplace and watched the playoffs.  It reminds me of a baby Chateauneuf du Pape.

By the way, each of the different wines from Gonnet showcases a bird on the label, symbolizing a dreamer.  Do not dream too long, as very little of the 2016 remains - and at the price we are offering it, it will be gone in days.

It still has plenty of life to enjoy now and over the next few years.

Enjoy!