2017 Gigondas Le Claux

Just about perfection in a glass, the 2017 Gigondas Le Claux got a few expletives in my notes. Made from 100% Grenache from a loamy, limestone parcel that’s a stone’s throw from the estate, just outside the village, it boasts a deep purple color as well as stunning notes of kirsch, cassis, camphor, dried earth, ground pepper, and background oak. Deep, powerful, full-bodied and multi-dimensional on the palate, this blockbuster Gigondas is going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age (or more) and cruise for two decades in cool cellars.

The 2017 Gigondas le Claux features deep blue and black fruit on the nose. It's full-bodied in the mouth, with a generous, silky mouthfeel and an expansive, voluptuous finish that folds in hints of dark chocolate and salted licorice. All Grenache, from vines planted in the 19th century, it's a terrific Gigondas.

This has a very rich and deeply ripe nose with a stony, savory edge with coal smoke and blueberries and dark plums on offer. The spice is deeply sewn in and the palate carries such depth and richness with a fleshy expression of pure grenache that was originally planted in 1870 and has been replanted over time. Phenomenal wine with such power and purity. Best from 2025 and for such a long time after that.