2022 Gigondas Le Claux

Denser and fleshier than Le Poste, due to the soils composed of marl and yellow clay, the 2022 Gigondas le Claux offers up aromas of violet, pepper, peony, licorice and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it's structured with a controlled power, framed by velvety tannins and a dense, long, corpulent finish. Matured in 30% new barrels, 30% one-year-old barrels and the rest in two-year-old barrels, it's entirely crafted from Grenache Noir.

Since my tasting last year from barrel, the 2022 Gigondas Le Claux greatly benefitted from the rest of the élevage, with its tannins now more refined and a wonderful sense of harmony throughout. A swirl of the glass reveals aromas of lush forest strawberry, red and black plum, cedar, rosewater and a pinch of dried herbs. This detailed and focused Le Claux stands out from the crowd, finishing with a lingering persistence.

95% Grenache, 5% Syrah. Vinified in concrete tank. Aged one-third each in new barriques, one-year-old barriques and two-year-old barriques. Certified organic. Cask sample. Tasted blind. The nose is quite reserved and introverted at the moment. The oak is present and giving some slight cedar notes. On the palate, there is good concentration of red fruits, tobacco, subtle oak char and mocha. The tannins are very fine but very firm. A wine with great intensity and substance. Scorched-earth and graphite notes underpin the mid palate. A long and rich finish. (AC)