2016 Gigondas Cuvée Le Lieu Dit Domaine des Bosquets Magnum

From a cooler terroir of sandy soils just beside the domaine, the 2016 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit is another tour de force from this brilliant estate. It sports a medium ruby color as well as a rocking bouquet of kirsch, blackberry liqueur, rose petals, damp earth, incense, and spice. Ultra-fine, seamless, elegant, and pure, it's nevertheless powerful and rich, with awesome intensity. Readers need to snatch up this blockbuster.

Big, rich and full-bodied, the 2016 Gigondas le Lieu Dit is old-vine Grenache from a sandy part of the property, aged in demi-muids. It's got huge black cherry, berry and plum fruit, yet remains fresh and vibrant, showing a bit of warmth without going over the top. It should drink well for a decade. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 2018 - 2028.

Fine-grained but persistent tannins and a deep strikes of minerality abound throughout this ripe but restrained Gigondas. It's concentrated in blackberry and boysenberry flavors, but has an invigorating freshness often attributed to the vineyard's sandy soils and northern exposition. Hints of crushed mineral and anise linger on the finish. Elegant now but likely better from 2021.

Bright and juicy, with lovely plum, anise, boysenberry and black cherry compote flavors. Racy acidity and a fine chalky spine give this an elegant profile overall, with a silky texture and refinementin the end. Best from 2019 through 2035.