2016 Gigondas Domaine des Bosquets

An impressively deep and inviting nose of crème de mure and violets, nicely defined. Full-bodied but not massive, it has a rounded mouthfeel and concentrated berry fruits with notes of sloe, menthol and woody herbs. A powerfully intense wine with a lovely sense of freshness and a polished mouthfeel, with a fine patina of dusty tannins. It will age to the medium term, but is more about joyful early drinking. Drinking Window 2019 - 2022.

Leading off the wines from bottle, the 2016 Gigondas is a classic wine from this estate, offering a deeper ruby/purple color as well as tons of garrigue, peppery spice, and earth intermixed with ample red and black fruits. Polished, rounded and sexy, with sweet tannin, it has a modern style that won't appeal to traditionalists yet is beautifully done. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault.

Hints of garrigue accent raspberries and Rainier cherries in the 2016 Gigondas. This blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied and supple, with no hard edges, just lovely fruit. Long, seamless and delicious for drinking over the next 6-7 years, it's a terrific introduction to the fruit-forward style at this estate. Tasted twice with consistent notes. 2018 - 2025.

Vivid ruby-red. Lively, expansive red berry, floral pastille and white pepper scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in the mouth, offering juicy raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Clings with very good authority on the gently tannic finish and leaves succulent floral and herb notes behind.

Made primarily from Grenache vines on average 50 years in age, this is intensely ripe but elegantly balanced. Flavors of ripe black cherry and raspberry are tinged with crushed stone and dried mint notes. Its soft, pliant mouthfeel is accentuated by ripe yet persistent tannins. Enjoy now-2023.