2019 Chateau Raspail Gigondas, Rhone, France

“Dominique Ay and his son Christophe keeps things pretty simple at one of Gigondas’ finest addresses – one red and one rosé. The Raspail‐Ay Gigondas reflects the appellation’s characteristics loyally in an elegantly rich and robust style which benefits from four or so years in the cellar for the tannins to further meld with the wine. Organic vineyard practices and a minimalist approach in the winery ‐ grapes are de‐stemmed prior to the spontaneous ferment which last for 15 days; the maturation for the Grenache takes place en foudrés, the Syrah and Mourvèdre in second and third use barriques with two rackings prior to bottling after (usually) eighteen months without fining or filtration. The 2019 was given a 24‐month elevage as Christophe wanted to further tame the structure in such a powerful vintage. The 2019 is a classic Raspail‐AY Gigondas that is delicious now and will reward several decades in the cellar.”