Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2023: Report and top-scoring wines
Matt Walls finds plenty to like in the wines of these three appellations in 2023, with Rasteau and Vinsobres in particular offering balanced, accessible wines.
Vinsobres
It was a very good vintage in Vinsobres, the wines expressing all the classic markers of this terroir: bold, punchy tannins and concentrated, dense fruit. Acid and alcohol levels were more balanced here than further south. If you’re unfamiliar with this cru, 2023 is a good year to explore it.
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Rasteau
Rasteau performed very well too – juicy, fresh and ripe, with a touch of classic Rasteau sucrosité. Tannins can be on the low side, and in places the fruit can taste jammy, but these are largely well-balanced reds for early drinking. It’s not the equal of the superb 2020 vintage here, but it’s not far off.
Cairanne
Of the three appellations in question, Cairanne is the least consistent, but there is still no lack of good wines to recommend. The style is more compact compared to Vinsobres and Rasteau, dark in fruit but more petite than some recent vintages, fresh and drinkable. Though quite up-and-down overall, the best reds are worth seeking out. The whites however are consistently very good.
Key Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres producers in 2023
- Domaine des Escaravailles – Rasteau
- Domaine de Beaurenard – Rasteau
- Domaine Richaud – Cairanne
- Domaine Alary – Cairanne
- Château de Rouanne – Vinsobres
- Domaine L’Ancienne Ecole – Vinsobres
Best-value Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres wines in 2023
- Domaine Alary, L’Estevenas, Cairanne 2023
- Domaine des Escaravailles, Les Coteaux, Rasteau 2023
- Domaine Serre Besson, Vinsobres 2023
Under-the-radar Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres producers in 2023
- Château de Rouanne
- Domaine Wilfried
- La Ferme du Mont
Rhône 2023 full report and top-scoring wines
Southern Rhône 2023: The connoisseur’s guide
Compare vintages: See our coverage of Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres wines from previous years
Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2022: Report and top-scoring wines
Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2021: Report and top-scoring wines
Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2020: Report and top-scoring wines
Matt Walls’ top-scoring Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres 2023 wines:
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Strong cinnamon and smoky cigar tobacco. Very punchy tannins and very concentrated, with strong acidity – a seriously structured wine. Good freshness, no excess alcohol...
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