2014 Gigondas Clos des Tourelles

Vivid ruby. Fragrant, mineral-accented aromas of ripe blackberry, licorice and woodsmoke, and a floral nuance that builds in the glass. Fleshy and concentrated but energetic as well, offering cherry compote and boysenberry flavors that turn livelier with air. Distinctly rich, palate-coating and fruit-driven, finishing with powerful thrust and velvety tannins.

There's roughly 6,000 bottles of the 2014 Gigondas Clos des Tourelles, and like the Vieilles Vignes release, it's up near the top of the hierarchy in Gigondas. From a true walled vineyard located just inside the village, this inky colored Gigondas is another stunningly concentrated effort that offers ample cassis, currants, toasted spice and building minerality on the nose. Beautifully pure, elegant and seamlessly textured, I suspect it will be reasonably approachable on release, yet will be better with 3-4 years of cellaring and have 15-20 years of overall longevity.