The 2017 Rasteau la Ponce is an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, with the Syrah aged in oak. The result offers notes of blackberries and black cherries on the nose, plenty of weight and a creamy texture on the palate, and a long, lush finish. It's wonderfully ripe, without going over the top. Tasted twice (once blind), with generally consistent notes, although one bottle showed more chocolate-espresso notes and finished slightly harder than the other.

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.

A blend of 80% Grenache (matured in concrete) and 20% Syrah (matured in oak), the 2015 Rasteau la Ponce delivers creamy-textured blackberry fruit with hints of cola and allspice. It's medium to full-bodied with a lingering, spicy finish and should drink well for another 4-5 years.

Racy and fruit-driven, with a delicious beam of raspberry coulis and red licorice flavors running through, backed by judicious toast notes and a hint of fruitcake. Drink now through 2017. 240 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Rasteau Select to Add

Still in barrel, the Grenache-dominated 2014 Rasteau la Ponce (there’s 20% barrel aged Syrah in the blend) gives up classic notes of cassis, red plums, crushed flowers and pepper, as well as Provencal herbs in a medium-bodied, rounded, supple style. It shows the vintage nicely and has more depth and texture than most.