2016 Gigault Cuvee Viva

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Cuvée Viva gives up black cherries, warm redcurrants and blackberry pie scents with touches of pencil lead, dried Mediterranean herbs and damp soil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is solidly structured with chewy tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing earthy.

A smaller production cuvée and a vineyard selection from the older vines and more limestone soils, the 2016 Château Gigault Cuvée Viva is a pretty, elegant wine that has notable limestone character in its black raspberry, floral, and mineral-laced aromas and flavors. It's medium-bodied, supple, and elegant on the palate, with good acidity.

Impressive plushness and depth here, this has a very sumptuous and charmingly ripe array of red and dark berries that build smoothly into the long, flavorful finish. Good balance and poise. Try from 2022.