Brilliant violet color. Displays pungent, mineral- and spice-accented cherry, black raspberry, potpourri and licorice aromas, along with hints of savory herbs, vanilla and incense. Chewy and tightly focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, dark berry and Moroccan spice flavors that unfurl slowly through the back half. It closes with firm tension, chewy tannins and excellent tenacity, leaving resonating cherry and floral notes behind. All barriques, a third of them new.

Entirely crafted from Grenache Noir, some of which was planted in 1880, the 2021 Gigondas le Claux from Chateau de Saint Cosme reveals a delicate, perfumed bouquet of violet, licorice, dark berries and smoke. Medium to full-bodied, layered and rich in texture, it's framed by bright acids and a tense texture that segues into an ethereal, long and delicately peppery finish. In the context of the vintage, this is a great effort.