2007 Gigondas

Fontavin’s well-made 2007 Gigondas reveals a deep plum/ruby color in addition to notes of red and black fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a touch of herbs. The expressive bouquet is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine displaying richly fruity flavors (licorice-infused black cherries and black currants). Already delicious, this beauty can be drunk over the next 7-8 years. As I have indicated before, few appellations in France have as many women in prominent positions of power as does Chateauneuf du Pape. Here’s another such estate, in this case run by oenologist Helene Chouvet, that is making better and better wines with each new vintage. No known American importer.