Palate coating fruit and very fine tannins in abundance. A highly structural wine, where the acidity, tannin and alcohol are really to the fore, the fruit buried within. I expect it to take on fruit weight over time however and grow into the structure. Full-bodied, fresh, textural and highly fragrant. Co-planted on limestone marls behind the village. 60% whole bunch, aged in Stockinger foudres except for 20% that is aged in terracotta amphorae. (Drink between 2026-2035)

A richer expression without being heavy. Some untoward sweet oak gets in the way of the darker, bluer fruit. A bit sweet and sticky in the finish, to be hypercritical, but as this opens the tannins compress and expand. Ambitious old-world. Very good in the end. Drink after 2028. Alkina Grenache Assembly tasting. - Ned Goodwin MW

Deep magenta. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, incense and licorice; a floral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sweet, concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, candied lavender and Moroccan spice flavors become livelier as the wine stretches out. It displays sharp definition and an emphatic, spicy cut on an impressively long, floral-driven finish shaped by supple, well-judged tannins. -- Josh Raynolds

There's nice purity here, displaying a core of cassis and plum reduction notes coursing through, while light licorice, applewood and red tea hints run along the edges. Has a savory kick on the finish, with a subtle minerality lending length. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023 through 2036. 800 cases made, 50 cases imported. — JM

The 2019 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille is more floral, almost tropical, with rose petal, strawberry, and peppery notes in a medium to full-bodied, balanced package. It’s lively and fresh, with an exotic style that should show more classic Gigondas character with 2-3 years of bottle age. Given its balance and tannins, it should age gracefully.