Similarly colored, the 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) offers a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, sappy garrigue, exotic spices, and leafy herbs. It's full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless and silky, with no hard edges and beautiful balance. Checking in as a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre brought up in older foudre, don't miss this beauty!

More flattering and easier to drink than the La Louisiane at this stage, the 2016 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, all aged in foudres. Hints of mocha and caramel add sweet richness to the ripe black cherry flavors and notes of mushroom, chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied, creamy textured and richly concentrated, it's long and velvety on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. - Joe Czerwinski

While not from the producer's oldest vines, this bottling is comprised mostly of fruit from 40-year-old Grenache planted on the lower terraces of Gigondas. Its black fruit flavors are plump and round, smoothed over by yielding acidity and a luscious, mouthclinging texture. Fine, grippy tannins lend structure to the finish. An approachable but deeply satisfying wine for now–2026. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA