Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2020 750ml

Jeb Dunnuck writes: While no 2021 was presented, the 2020 Gigondas is stunningly good and is loaded with notions of red cherries, framboise, sappy flowers, and pepper. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced Gigondas offering ripe, perfectly integrated tannins, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. If I saw this on a wine shelf, I'd buy it. Drink bottles any time over the coming 15 years or so. Drinking 2023 - 2038. - Jeb Dunnuck 94

Josh Raynolds writes: Brilliant ruby-red. An exotically perfumed bouquet evokes fresh red and blue fruits, potpourri and botanical herbs that are complemented by an exotic spice note building in the glass. Stains the palate with intense raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors that steadily deepen with air. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and finishes impressively long and floral, with fine-grained tannins adding a discreet grip. - Vinous 94-95

James Lawther MW writes: Attractive red-berry aroma and flavour, the fruit smooth and plush on the palate, the tannins ripe and well integrated. Plenty of length on the finish. Just a slight glow of alcohol at the end. Drinking 2025 -2032. - Jancis Robinson 16.5+

Joe Czerwiński writes: Tasted from foudre one, the 2022 Gigondas (keep in mind there is just one cuvée at this estate) is rich and ripe, with delicate floral notes accenting deep black raspberry and black cherry fruit. This concentrated, medium to full-bodied effort is zesty and long on the finish. Drinking 2024 - 2038. - Robert Parker Wine Advocate 92-94

Full-bodied, fruity, fine and well-balanced with aromas of red fruit – raspberries and black cherries – and notes of black pepper, leading to more complex scents of licorice and herbs de Provence. The tannins are ripe, the wine fills the mouth with warm, generous flavors yet with an underlying structure that bodes well for future potential. A fruit-forward and accessible wine.

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.