A soft, supple and textured effort, the 2012 Gigondas Romane Machotte has pretty strawberry, blackberry, toasted bread and spice to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, finesse-driven style on the palate. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, from plots ranging in elevation from 260-400 meters, it was aged 12 months in 50% 30 hectoliter tanks and 50% in 3-4 year-old barrels. It should have a decade or more of longevity.

This has a gutsy core of dark currant, licorice snap and bitter plum, with a perfumy black tea note along the edges. Offers a backdrop of singed mesquite on the finish. Drink now through 2017. 6,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add