2018 Gigondas L'Argnee

The 2018 Gigondas L’Argnée Vieilles Vignes, which is almost 100% Grenache from pre-phylloxera vines, is a blockbuster in the making. Thrilling notes of blueberries, violets, spice box, and crushed flowers all give way to a full-bodied effort that has ultra-fine tannins, incredible elegance, and a great finish. It’s a remarkable Gigondas that’s up with the finest wines in the vintage. In addition to the Château de Beaucastel releases, the Perrin family also releases a bevy of brilliant wines under their Famille Perrin label. Certainly, the Gigondas releases are the standouts, yet readers shouldn’t miss their Vinsobres releases; the flagship Les Hauts De Julien possibly one of the finest Syrahs dominated blend made in the southern Rhône!

From a sandy parcel planted to own-rooted Grenache in the 19th century, the 2018 Gigondas L'Argnee Vieilles Vignes boasts a stunning bouquet of dusty cherries and dried flowers. This full-bodied wine has what seems like a crystalline structure and purity, yet it's silky in feel at the same time, finishing long and firm. I'm sure it will age well for at least a decade.