2016 Domaine des Escaravailles "La Ponce" Rasteau

2016 Domaine des Escaravailles "La Ponce" Rasteau SKU #1382357

Price: $24.99

JD 95

RP 93

WE 91

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Professional Reviews

Jeb Dunnuck
95
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.

(08/2018)
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
93
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. (JC) 93+

(10/2018)
Wine Enthusiast
91
Savory notes of dried thyme and sage accent crisp blackberry in this elegant Grenache-Syrah blend. It's freshly composed on the mid palate with very firm but chalky, grippy tannins on the finish. It should improve through 2026. (AI)

(03/2019)

K&L Notes

The domaine of Escaravailles was founded in 1953 by Jean-Louis Ferran and his sons Daniel and Jean-Pierre. It takes its name from the Occitan dialect of escaravay - which means scarab beetle - the local nickname for the peoples of the village of Rasteau in 1623. Currently run by Gilles Ferran, son of Daniel, the vineyards run primarily through Rasteau and extend into Cairanne, Roaix and Saint Roman de Malegarde. The vineyards are farmed using sustainable and organic practices and all grapes are manually harvested. Phillippe Cambie, one of the great winemakers of the Rhone, consults on the winemaking. La Ponce is made up of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Syrah from the steepest clay and stony hillsides.

Staff Reviews

By: William Beare
1/12/2019
K&L Staff Member

One whiff and this wine clamors for your attention-- and deservedly so. Tapenade, pepper, and wild berry fruit tumble forth, with that fruit taking the lead onto the palate with a wonderful silky texture. Graphite and earth on the close, with some herbal qualities (sweet anise) that linger through the finish. Fantastically well-balanced for a sub $30 red!
By: Kaj Stromer
1/8/2019
K&L Staff Member

I first learned about this winery many years ago from a client of mine. He had the wine recommended to him by the sommelier at a well respected restaurant. I ordered a case for my client and he gave me a bottle to try. Considering that the market was saturated with southern Rhone wines, I could not initially understand why we needed another. However, once I tried the wine I immediately understood why this wine was such a stand out. With the steady hand of winemaker Philippe Cambie overseeing the process, Escaravailles produces distinctively delicious southern Rhone blends. This Grenache / Syrah combo offers up beautiful red fruits intermingled with hints of dark chocolate, licorice and spice. The wine possesses real power and will benefit from either a few winters in the cellar or an hour long wake in the decanter. This wine is sure to please either in its youth or with some age.
By: Keith Mabry
1/8/2019
K&L Staff Member

Years ago, the distinctive scarab beetle on the label of the Escaravailles was a mark of great cost-to-quality when I was shopping for my Rhone wines. It has been some time since we've seen it broadly in the market, as it bounced around through a few different importers though, but what a joy to have it return in the form of one of their best wines to date. The domaine is based in Rasteau which is quickly emerging as a region to watch. The gravelly and limestone soils mimic some of the best sub-regions Chateauneuf has to offer but at a well-reduced price. Add consulting winemaker extraordinaire Phillippe Cambie and you have a dead ringer for Clos Saint Jean or Clos des Papes, again at a fraction of the price. Rich and borderline hedonistic, this wine smacks of boysenberries and melted licorice. Savory spice notes intermingle with flavors of hoisin sauce and cardamom. It is opulent. But in the best way imaginable. This is a fully realized fleshy red from this up and coming region and one of its top producers!

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