The 2018 Gigondas L’Argnée Vieilles Vignes, which is almost 100% Grenache from pre-phylloxera vines, is a blockbuster in the making. Thrilling notes of blueberries, violets, spice box, and crushed flowers all give way to a full-bodied effort that has ultra-fine tannins, incredible elegance, and a great finish. It’s a remarkable Gigondas that’s up with the finest wines in the vintage.

From a sandy parcel planted to own-rooted Grenache in the 19th century, the 2018 Gigondas L'Argnee Vieilles Vignes boasts a stunning bouquet of dusty cherries and dried flowers. This full-bodied wine has what seems like a crystalline structure and purity, yet it's silky in feel at the same time, finishing long and firm. I'm sure it will age well for at least a decade. JC

With construction underway at Château de Beaucastel (those reviews are under their own heading), this year I met Marc Perrin at one of the family's properties in Gigondas—the Domaine du Clos des Tourelles. The family acquired that estate in 2008 and has substantial non-vineyard holdings in the village as well, including the local wine bar, Le Nez, and Restaurant L'Oustalet, which now has a Michelin star.

Perrin says, "For me, 2018 is a top vintage. The tannins are long and deep." He compares 2017 to 2007 for the dry weather, hot days and cool nights. Interestingly, the family is moving away from stainless steel for its red wines, using more and more concrete instead.

Brilliant magenta. Assertive red/blue fruit, potpourri and succulent herb aromas are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of white pepper. Sappy, subtly sweet and penetrating in the mouth, offering intense raspberry, black cherry and boysenberry flavors that show an intriguingly light touch. Distinctly elegant in style, showing excellent delineation and spice- and floral-driven tenacity on its gently tannic finish.