2016 Gigondas

Mostly Grenache, the 2016 Gigondas (there are small parts of Syrah and Grenache) came mostly from the limestone terroirs in the region and was raised all in concrete tanks. Spice, garrigue, saddle leather, and crushed floral notes all flow to a powerful, ripe, incredibly sexy Gigondas that has no hard edges, silky tannin, and a great finish. It’s another out of this world 2016 that should be snatched up by readers. Michel Chapoutier’s lineup continues to grow, and this report looks at his Alleno and Viola collaborations as well as the By Michel Chapoutier releases. Looking at the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Papes presented, these are unquestionably some of the most opulent and concentrated wines I’ve ever tasted from the estate, and they have lots of similarities to the 2007s. The 2017s, which were tasted from barrel, show a similar sexy style and are not far from the 2016s.

Aged in concrete, the 2016 Gigondas is a blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each Mourvèdre and Syrah. It's full-bodied yet silky, with dark cherry fruit and a dusting of dried spices. It drinks well now and should continue to do so through at least 2025.

Limpid violet. Perfumed red berry, cherry liqueur and licorice aromas, along with hints of candied flowers and white pepper. Smooth and open-knit, offering sweet raspberry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors that turn livelier on the back half. Nicely plays richness off elegance and finishes long and sweet, with emphatic red fruit character and harmonious tannins coming in late.