2020 Gigondas

While no 2021 was presented, the 2020 Gigondas is stunningly good and is loaded with notions of red cherries, framboise, sappy flowers, and pepper. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced Gigondas offering ripe, perfectly integrated tannins, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. If I saw this on a wine shelf, I'd buy it. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15 years or so. I always love the wines from Raspail-Ay, which shine for their incredibly Provençal aromatics and character but are elegant, seamless Gigondas that always seem to have terrific balance and fine tannins. Surprisingly, no 2021 was submitted, but both the 2020 and 2022 look to be fabulous vintages for this address.

Brilliant ruby-red. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri and botanical herbs that are complemented by an exotic spice note building in the glass. Stains the palate with intense raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily deepen with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes impressively long and floral, with fine-grained tannins adding a discreet grip.

70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Aged in foudre and barrel for 18–24 months. Cask sample. Attractive red-berry aroma and flavour, the fruit smooth and plush on the palate, the tannins ripe and well integrated. Plenty of length on the finish. Just a slight glow of alcohol at the end. (JL)