The village of Rasteau is located in the heart of the Southern Rhône, just slightly northeast of the famed vineyards of Gigondas, Vacqueyras and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

It is known for producing wonderfully expressive and powerful wines, very akin to those of its famous neighbors, but at a fraction of the price.

We are delighted to bring you the wines of Domaine Grand Nicolet, who have been producing here for about a century. We lead off with their powerful "Vieilles Vignes" red, a Châteauneuf-du-Pape equivalent that sells for just over $20, followed by their gorgeous Côtes-du-Rhône that hugely overdelivers at $13.99. 

Scroll down to learn about these wines, and for a chance to grab our final bottles of a 97-Point, $65.99 Châteauneuf from Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, then slam down on the Big Green Button to get in on this Rhône action!

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2021 Domaine Grand Nicolet "Vieilles Vignes" Rasteau
Southern Rhône, France
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When we think about Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the vivid image that comes to mind are the large "galets roulés" stones that cover the vineyards. As shown above, you'll find them here too at Domaine Grand Nicolet, surrounding the old Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre planted to soil types that also match those of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

In so many ways, the conditions and appearance at Domaine Grand Nicolet are nearly identical to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the wines being made here by Jean-Pierre Bertrand are both high in quality and genuinely amazing in value.

From hand-tended, organically-farmed vines aged between 50 and 90 years, his "Vieilles Vignes" Rasteau is made up of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Mourvedre. No oak is used. Instead, the wine is aged in concrete tanks for 12 months before bottling. It displays great power with super expressive red and black fruit flavors that are balanced beautifully by savory elements of fennel, herbs de Provence and peppery spice. Tannins are present, but not grippy, and the finish is satisfyingly fresh and long.

This is 92 points on our scale. That's the same rating awarded by Wine Enthusiast, and it is an absolutely bang-up value at this price!

“Fresh lavender and violet weave seamlessly into juicy lingonberry and a touch of wild thyme on the nose, giving this wine a lifted, energetic charm. There's real vibrancy here—the palate opens with aromatic intensity and a vivid pop of flavor, yet remains balanced, with juicy black fruit and floral tones riding alongside cracked black pepper. Its structure is dialed in just right, making this an expressive, approachable wine ready to enjoy now with just a little air.”
          - 92 Points, Wine Enthusiast (9/1/2025)

Perfect with grilled meats, burgers or steak, you can enjoy this delicious wine now or cellar it for another 5+ years of drinking pleasure. Imported directly for Vin Chicago, the value here is quite astounding, and our supply will go fast.

Vin Chicago Price: 20.99

2023 Domaine Grand Nicolet Côtes du Rhône
Southern Rhône, France
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Jean-Pierre makes his delicious Côtes du Rhône from a small plot of old, hand-harvested vines located just outside the Rasteau appellation. Bright and concentrated, this expressive, deep ruby/purple colored blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 15% Carignan boasts attractive aromas and flavors of red flowers, pure raspberry and strawberry, along with black pepper, olive, and hints of wild game and herbs adding nuance.

Grippy, gutsy, soft and easy, this earns a 91-point rating on the Vin Chicago scale. Really good stuff at a silly low price.

"A destemmed blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Carignan, the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône is ruby/plum-hued and offers a beautifully pure, medium-bodied, elegant profile in its red and black fruits, peppery herb, and leather-like aromas and flavors. This juicy, vibrant, balanced Côtes Du Rhône will drink well for at least 4-5 years. Maturity 2024 - 2029.”
          - 90 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (4/1/2025)

There is plenty going on here and you are going to love coming back to this one again and again. Looking online we find two listings on the West Coast. Our price beats them both. At $13.99, the quality-to-price ratio is ridiculous. 

Vin Chicago Price: 13.99

Last Chance at 97-Point, "Top 100" Châteauneuf -du-Pape!

2022 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne "Les Trois Sources"
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France
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Has all this talk about Châteauneuf-du-Pape got you in the mood for the real deal? Here's a great one for you!

Not only did Jean-Paul Daumen's 2022 "Les Trois Sources" Châteauneuf earn a raving 97-Point review from Jeb Dunnuck and 95 Points from our tasting team, it also landed a spot on Wine Spectator's "Top 100" list.

“The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources comes from a terroir similar to the Reserve and is based on 70% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 5% each Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Counoise, and the rest a mix of varieties. Ripe blackberries, roasted garrigue, loamy soil, licorice, and a kiss of graphite all emerge on the nose, and this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautiful yet building tannins, and a great finish. It's slightly more open and expressive than the Les Hauts-Lieux, yet I suspect both of these cuvées will cruise for two decades. Maturity: 2024 - 2044.”
          - 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck (10/19/2024)

“Shows subdued, hidden power and a gorgeous texture, though this is just beginning to unfurl. Warm earth, brown bread and toasted anise notes infuse a perfumed core of red fruit. Racy acidity keeps the tension high, and there's a licorice snap detail on the finish, which is defined, smoky and long. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsaut, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2027 through 2040. 2,200 cases made, 400 cases imported.”
          - 94 Points, Wine Spectator (6/30/2025)

An outstanding wine with the stuffing to further develop over the coming decade and beyond. Wine Spectator quotes $89. Only a few bottles available.

Vin Chicago Price: 65.99