E. Guigal Gigondas, 2019

E. Guigal was one of the first Rhone producers to use new oak, and this wine spent two years in oak casks, 50% of which were new. It is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre.

Very deep, dark with purplish tones. Intense aromas are also deep and brooding, promising more to come. Cherry, cranberry, licorice, garrigue. Medium to full body. Tannins that grip, acidity that pleases. Flavors open nicely on the finish, but there is much more to come through the rest of this decade. I gave this wine a score of 18.5, but, at a price of $35, I will not be a buyer.