2017 Now finished: GIGONDAS, Domaine Raspail Ay. Southern Rhône (Half Bottle)

Gigondas is a small village in the southern Rhône, situated on a hillside beneath the famously jagged Dentelles de Montmirail. It was second (after its more illustrious neighbour Châteauneuf-du-Pape) to have its own appellation, back in 1971. The name is from the Latin jocunditas, “merry city”.

70% Grenache, 23% Syrah and 7% Mourvèdre, matured in a mixture of large, old oak barrels (foudres) and concrete tanks.

A classic, traditional family-run estate. 18 hectares of vineyard, all around the winery, tended carefully by fifth generation Dominique Ay, his son Christophe and daughter Anne-Sophie.

Needs rich food to do it rustic – this is powerful and intense (and will improve to 2025).

“The palate bursts forth with generous, ripe red-fruit and milk-chocolate character. Chewy and furry on the finish, but not aggressively so, and the quality of fruit on the palate suggests that both nose and structure will improve with time. Drink 2021-2031.” 17+ points. Richard Hemming MW on JancisRobinson.com.