2014 Gigondas La Colline Domaine des Bosquets

Tasted blind. Cask sample. Some purple in the crimson here. Unusually rich nose. And without any excess green. Sweet, ripe tannins. Well mastered. Some liquorice and warmth. Very unlike most 2014s! Quite appetising on the finish.

One of the gems in the vintage is the 2014 Gigondas La Colline, which is the largest framed and richest cuvee from the estate. Coming from a tiny section of the La Colline lieu-dit, it's as sexy and layered as they come in the vintage and offers loads of black raspberry and blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of crushed flowers, garrigue and hints of earthy minerality. Medium to full-bodied, deep, layered and concentrated, with terrific tannin quality, drink this sensational 2014 anytime over the coming decade.

Deeper, fruitier, slightly darker in character than the Lieu Dit. Fuller in body, richer in tannin, soft and ripe and supple. It has generous fruit, lovely acidity, ample tannin and a piercingly fresh, long finish. A wine that transcends what was a tricky vintage.

Deep red. Sexy, mineral-tinged red berry liqueur and floral pastille scents show excellent clarity and pick up suggestions of garrigue and white pepper with air. Sappy, penetrating and appealingly sweet, offering juicy raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of candied lavender. The mineral and floral notes repeat on the very persistent finish, which is given shape by subtle, fine-grained tannins.

The beautiful core of kirsch and boysenberry coulis flavors stretches out nicely, carried by lavender, iron and violet notes, accented by dark hints of tobacco and bramble. Everything is seamless, with the lengthy finish echoing pleasantly . Impressive for the vintage.