2019 Gigondas Les Hautes Garriges Cuvee Prestige

I loved the 2019 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues, one of the finest vintages of this cuvée under the helm of Benjamin Gras. Medium ruby-hued, with gorgeous meaty, peppery, Provençal aromatics, it needs plenty of air, and while it started out closed and reticent, it blossomed with time and shines for its purity and complexity. Full-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated mid-palate, flawless balance, and a great finish, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades.

50% Grenache, 50% Mourvèdre. Organic and biodynamic. 30% whole bunch. Aged in 80% Stockinger foudres, 20% terracotta jars. Tank sample. Tasted blind. Very bright high-toned, pure and sweet fragrant fruit. Very focused palate which is supported by extremely refined elegant and layered tannins and a dark-fruit spiced note. Excellent extraction which shows off the elegant fruit character. Bags of freshness keep this alive and kicking. (AC)