Domaine du Cayron Gigondas, 1985

Domaine du Cayron and I have a long history, going back to the 1980 vintage. This 1985, now 39 years old, is a testament to why I consider it the standard bearer for Gigondas.

Deep garnet with some bricking at the edges. In a full glass, though, the color is dark, almost opaque. At least in 1985, no new oak was used in the wine's maturation so the color is a sign of the wine's concentration.70% Grenache, 15% Syrah plus old vine Cinsault and a small quantity of Mourvedre. Intense boutique of cherries, red and black berries, violets and aromatic Provencal herbs. Ripe, succulent flavors of strawberries, raspberries, plums. Medium to low acidity and tannins have faded away leaving a luscious mouthful of concentrated mixed berry fruit. Impossible to resist. Some complex savory notes develop on the finish as the wine warms and aerates. 39 years after the vintage, this wine is as lovely as ever.