2015 Gigondas

This offers ripe and brambly red plum and darker berry aromas with earth, pepper and spice, too. The palate has quite a punchy feel with meaty tannins, carrying darker plum and berry flavors. Drink or hold.

Aged in 50% new oak foudres for two years. 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Reasonably light body for Gigondas with heady spice character and plenty of tannic fur giving shape. Warm finish. Very savoury, and the fruit is quite reticent. (RH)

While not from the northern Rhône, I’m always able to taste the Guigal releases from the Southern Rhône during my visit. It’s worth noting that these are all from purchased grapes, and the Guigals are known for paying more than anyone else in the region to ensure the quality. The 2015 Gigondas is a winner that offers lifted notes of cedarwood, white pepper, and Christmas spice as well as plenty of red and black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, drink it over the coming 8-10 years. The big news at the Guigal estate is the purchase of Domaine de Nalys in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The family has always wanted an estate in the South, and Nalys is an unrealized treasure trove of awesome terroir and old vines, both of which I’ve no doubt will be maximized by this talented family. In addition, the former winemaker at Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Jacques Desvernois, has joined the team, and while it’s not clear exactly what his role will be, I suspect he will largely lead the charge at Domaine de Nalys. Either way, Desvernois is an incredible talent and can only add to what is already a well-oiled machine. As to the wines reviewed in this report, I was able to taste multiple vintages of each of the cuvées and have listed the wines by cuvée as opposed to by vintage, which is how we tasted through the wines.