2013 Gigondas Hominis Fides

Possibly my favorite of the single vineyards (I waffled between this and the Le Poste) is the 2013 Gigondas Hominis Fides. Coming from a vineyard located just down the hill from the estate - in mostly sand and limestone-laced soils - it’s almost 100% Grenache (there’s a small splash of Syrah), and like the classic cuvée, wasn’t destemmed and spent 12 months in older, smaller barrels. Currants, blackberries, licorice and big minerality all emerge from this beautifully pure, full-bodied effort that has a big mid-palate and a serious kick of tannin that emerges on the mid-palate and finish. Give it a year or two and drink it through 2028. It’s unquestionably one of the top wines in the vintage.

Opaque ruby. Complex smoke- and mineral-tinged dark berry aromas are complemented by a suave floral element and a hint of Asian spices. Fleshy, sweet and broad, offering intense blackberry and boysenberry flavors with sexy lavender pastille and spicecake flourishes. Puts on weight with air while maintaining vivacity and finishes smooth, broad and very long, with subtle tannins lending shape.

Greyish crimson. Intriguing, rather unusual nose. Very sweet with lots of impact on the palate and a salty finish. Appetising. Vigorous relatively early drink. (JR)