2013 Gigondas Terrasse du Diable

The 2013 Gigondas les Terraces de Diable was bottled in July and shows the more austere edge to the vintage with its minerality, pepper, orange peel and black cherry-scented bouquet. Medium-bodied, fresh and with notable tannin, give it a year or two in the cellar and plan on drinking bottles through 2023.

Bright violet color. Ripe cherry and dark berries on the nose, with a peppery note adding vivacity. Silky and open-knit, displaying very good lift and clarity to its black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors. Closes on a spicy note, with excellent tenacity and smooth, late-arriving tannins.

Good firm crimson. Light nose. Medium fruit weight and rather ‘cool’. The Syrah effect? Reasonable balance though it has not yet developed much flavour. Some fine tannins. Best give this a bit of time. (JR)