2023 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas

The flagship release here is based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault and aged 18 months in large foudres. Bright red, blue, and black fruits intermixed with violets, peppery garrigue, orange blossom, and Provençal spice all emerge from the 2023 Gigondas Ventabren. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It will have 15 years of prime drinking and is a brilliant Gigondas.

Always one of my favorite Rhône wines, the 2023 Ventabren has a lush attack of wild raspberry, dried strawberry, red cherry and oolong tea. Savory notes of wild fennel, smoked tea and fresh bay leaf round out the profile. There is an underpinning of sweetness to the fruit, framed by the wine’s rounded tannins. This is an exceptional showing, capturing both the concentration of the vintage and a remarkable sense of freshness. Another stellar example from one of our core Rhône producers.