The Skalli family has deep roots in French viticulture and have been involved with grape growing in various regions throughout France. What's really neat is that in 1982 they established the very well known winery in the Napa Valley called St. Supery. Although for much of their history in France the Skalli Family was mostly making wines in the Languedoc and on the island of Corsica, in the early 2000's they decided to purchase a century old wine company (Maison Bouachon) in Chateaunuef-du-Pape, in the Rhone Valley.

The 2006 Cotes du Rhone Les Rabassiéres is composed of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvédre. (The Grenache in the blend comes from 70 year old vines) The wine was aged in French oak barrels for 9 to 12 months.

On the nose I get aromas of black raspberry, pepper, scorched earth, crushed rock, and a touch of black cherry. It's a typical bouquet from this particular region that shows it's deep fruit aromas and a somewhat rustic and earthy side as well.