This village in southern Rhone is just 10 miles southwest of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The appellation of Gigondas dates back to the Roman era, and in Latin means pleasure. The town was a recreational site for Roman soldiers of the Empire's Second Legion. The wine was produced during this time. This region benefits from a warm, Mediterranean climate.

This is a Southern Rhone red blend of 70% Grenache, 20 % Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre sourced from sloped vineyards of red clay, gravel and red clay. The wine spends two years in oak foudres with 50% new oak. This garnet colored, youthful wine is a mixture of ripe, mixed black fruits laced with elements of dried sage, bay, thyme and tilled earth. The minerality, spices and garrigue personality of this wine is obvious in the mid-palate. The rounded tannins and acidity are noticeable at this early stage of development, yet indicate its ability to age.

By W Peter Hoyne