2015 Gigondas

Looking substantially better than a sample reviewed last year, Stehelin's 2015 Gigondas is full-bodied, creamy and plush. Scents of cherries jubilee pick up subtle dustings of earth and baking spices on the soft finish.

Opaque ruby. Potent aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry pit, licorice and cracked pepper on the fragrant nose. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering warm blackberry and cherry compote flavors sharpened by building spiciness and a hint of smoky minerality. Closes on a peppery note, delivering building tannins, good persistence and a lingering violet flourish.

Also showing a more open knit, supple style, the more modern styled 2015 Gigondas Escales (50/50 Grenache and Syrah raised all in stainless steel… although I’d swear there’s oak here) has lots of spice, black raspberry and cassis characteristics in a beautifully pure, layered package. It’s a bigger, richer wine than the classic cuvee and I suspect it will age longer as well.