2018 Gigondas Réserve Domaine des Bosquets

Leading off the 2018s from bottle, the 2018 Gigondas Réserve is a mix of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, and can be thought of as the classic cuvée of the domaine. It's beautifully done and shows the style of the domaine in its full-bodied, rich, yet also elegant profile. Offering a mix of red and black fruits, herbes de Provence, peppery garrigue, and flowers, this beauty is flawlessly balanced, has a round, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and just tons of character. Drink this little gem anytime over the coming decade.

Although I reported differently last year, the final blend of the 2018 Gigondas is approximately 65% Grenache, with the rest a mix of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault (in descending order of preponderance). Gentle notes of bay leaf and thyme accent purple raspberries on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and generous, showing supple, silky tannins and surprisingly crisp acids on the finish.

Fresh and lively, with a ripe core of dark cherry and blackberry fruit leading the way for dried garrigue, singed apple wood and dark licorice notes. Best from 2022 through 2032. -J.M.

Rig, varm, en fuldblods-Rhône fra en ganske varm årgang, men den holder balancen og leverer en sund, lokal frugt, krydderier og pæn syre og en god balance. Alkoholen titter frem uden dog at genere – især ikke, når den møder ragouten.