2017 Moulin de la Gardette "Tradition" Gigondas

The classic 2017 Gigondas Tradition cuvée from this estate is a real winner as well as a smoking value. A blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre that wasn’t destemmed and was aged all in foudre, it boasts a deep purple color as well as full-bodied aromas and flavors of ground pepper, incense, garrigue, and assorted sweet black fruits. This rounded, sexy, seamless 2017 has polished tannins, a great mid-palate, and a finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. Drink this beauty any time over the coming decade. Drink through 2029.

The 2017 vintage is another benchmark for Moulin de la Gardette. I first tasted this wine out of barrel last year and was blown away by the richness and intensity. The vintage was a drought year, so the wine had a lot of dry extract and concentration. As with most of winemaker Jean-Baptiste's wines though, they get more elegant and refined as they mature before and after bottling. I revisited it again earlier this year and true to form it showed that concentration but much more refined qualities. A panoply of spices and savory black fruit emerged. Now that's it finally here, one more taste and it is showing the best yet. This is pure and expressive Gigondas. The garrigue notes have emerged, showing fragrant floral and dried savory, thyme and fennel. All paired with that elegant black fruit and you will agree, this is another great release from Moulin de la Gardette.