From: Gigondas, Rhone, France

Varietal: Grenache (70%), Syrah (23%) and Mourvèdre (7%)

Tasting Notes: This is a rich, hulky blend of Grenache (70%), Syrah (23%) and Mourvèdre (7%) packed with unctuous plum and black cherry. It's warm and headily spiced, accented by notes of cinnamon, milk chocolate and cardamom. It's an ample, open wine ready to drink now but bold, gripping tannins suggest it will hold through 2030. - Anna Lee C. Iijim

Domaine Raspail-Ay is truly one of the iconic estates of Gigondas. Dominique Ay, the affable but serious-minded proprietor of Domaine Raspail-Ay, makes a warm, charming, and eminently drinkable Gigondas at his 40-acre domaine. Located on the terraces of the rugged Gigondas appellation, the last outcropping of the mighty Alpine chain with the imposing rock formation of the Dentelles de Montmirail looming as a backdrop, this classic southern Rhone estate makes roughly 7,000 cases yearly of their superb Gigondas, one wine only, no “Reserve” or “Vieilles Vignes” cuvée here. Working with old vines and very low yields, M. Ay’s Gigondas is a very concentrated yet always elegant wine. An artful blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that is ripe, generous, and rich on the palate, Raspail-Ay Gigondas offers a mouthful of ripe, dark fruits – black cherries, cassis and raspberries – with notes of licorice and black pepper in the background. The tannins are typically ripe and supple, mellowed by 20 months or more élevage in large, ancient oak foudres. The result is a wine with ripe, dark fruit aromas and a supple, rich texture with a long-lasting finish.

95 Points -Decanter
93 Points -Vinous
93 Points -The Wine Advocate
91 Points -Wine Enthusiast