Château Gigognan Château Gigognan Clos du Roi Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 750ml

Vinified primarily in concrete with a small proportion of whole-bunch fermentation, there's a lifted, airy freshness to Gigognan's Clos du Roi that's consistent from vintage to vintage. A full-bodied blend of Grenache (70%), Mourvédre (20%) and Syrah (10%), it's packed with layers of succulent blackberry, cherry and plum flavors, edged by a stony, salty minerality. Fine, smoothing tannins are welcoming young but it should continue to improve through 2035 at least.

A meaty wine, with converging flavors of earth, tar, violet and fruit, plus cranberry and cassis notes offset by charred mesquite and singed herbs. Gains lift from potpourri notes and mineral energy. A charmingly old-school style. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035. 5,000 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.