2021 Gigondas

The 2021 Gigondas is terrific, with the textbook wild, feral vibe in its darker cherry, basil leaf, spring flowers, and sappy garrigue aromas and flavors. Despite its green herb edge, it’s not vegetal at all and has medium-bodied richness, a pure, vibrant, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and outstanding length. This is one of those wines that will grow on you over the course of an evening, and it's going to shine on the dinner table as well. Enjoy bottles over the coming decade. The blend is the usual 78% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 6% Cinsault, and the rest Mourvèdre, from 40- to 70-year-old-vines. One quarter was destemmed, it saw 18-21 days on skins, and was mostly aged in older oak foudre but a small part in demi-muids.

78% Grenache, 14% Syrah, 6% Cinsault, 2% Mourvèdre. Matured in foudres and demi-muids. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Primary nose that has soft red fruits, plum jam. A floral note to the palate adds interest, fine but present tannins support the moderate concentration of fruit. A ripe style and a slight oak char on the finish. (AC)