Tasted out of barrel, the 2014 Gigondas offers pretty notes of sweet raspberries, spring flowers, blood orange and licorice to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, lightly textured style on the palate. Made from 75% Grenache and the balance Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette, that was completely destemmed and brought up all in tank, drink this total charmer on release and over the following 5-6 years.

Fontavin’s well-made 2007 Gigondas reveals a deep plum/ruby color in addition to notes of red and black fruits, crushed rocks, graphite, and a touch of herbs. The expressive bouquet is followed by a medium to full-bodied wine displaying richly fruity flavors (licorice-infused black cherries and black currants). Already delicious, this beauty can be drunk over the next 7-8 years. As I have indicated before, few appellations in France have as many women in prominent positions of power as does Chateauneuf du Pape. Here’s another such estate, in this case run by oenologist Helene Chouvet, that is making better and better wines with each new vintage. No known American importer.