Grapelive New Producer Review
By Kerry Winslow
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2007 Dauvergne Ranvier Gigondas “Vin Rare” Rhone Red, France.
This new domaine is a future star, and this 2007 Gigondas is a stellar effort, and by all accounts a sublime wine. I would be hard pressed to find anything wrong with this gem and it certainly outshines many Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines at three times the price! I think this is all that and more, I hope to have a few more bottles soon, as it is already a joy to drink and it should go another 10 years easy. This full and rich Rhone is a classic in the making, with loads of spicy dark fruits, crushed stone minerals, pepper, and gobs of extract, texture plus a super long finish. Blackberry, cassis, strawberry and fennel flow across the palate in waves of thick layers. There is savory earth, dried flowers and trufflely game notes adding to the complexity, but everything is balanced and easy to love. Watch these talented winemakers, they are making some fantastic wines and are crafting everything from the vines to bottle with care and artistry!
($42 Est.) 95 Points, grapelive
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