2016 Gigondas Cuvee de la Tour Sarrazine

More lift and fragrance than their Vacqueyras, although the bitterness is still strongly apparent, especially on the finish. Dry tannins. A tough, husky style. (RH)

I loved the 2016 Gigondas Tour Sarrasine from barrel, and it certainly didn’t disappoint from bottle. A blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, brought up in a mix of stainless steel and concrete, it offers a ripe, sexy, incredibly satisfying style as well as lots of complex pine forest, earthy spice, pepper, and sweet blackberry and cherry fruit. It’s well worth seeking out and will keep for over a decade.

The 2016 Gigondas La Tour Sarrasine checks in as 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre that saw a very traditional vinification and élevage. It has a complex bouquet of assorted red and black fruits, olive tapenade, pepper, and spice. It's medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, has good acidity, and fine tannin, all making for a classic, elegant Gigondas that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for a decade or more.