TN: 1998 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas

I am fond of a bit of Gigie on occasion and keep a fair bit in the cellar back to about 1995 (Santa Duc Haut Garrigues) .

This one had served me well over the years and I was down to only a couple of bottles so when we concocted a particularly toothsome beef stew, it seemed a good time to broach one.

It turned out to be delightful - still fairly dark and showing a deep fruit nose with some interesting smoke and sandalwood highlights. Smooth and long in the mouth, finishing with medium length and lingering hints of chocolate and mushroom! I have a half dozen 98 Gigondas in the cellar - it may be time for some comparison tastings.

[David M. Bueker]

Getting on towards 30 is a pretty good ride for a Gigondas!

[Jenise]

Has there been any vintage since that will ever equal '95 and '98 in that region? I don't sense that any of the modern vintages will get there, all the vintages are so warm for one.

[David M. Bueker]

2001

[Jenise]

And none since? One of the recent vintages--'17?--was supposed to be exceptional in Gigondas but of course any more that only means they're more balanced for immediate enjoyment, not that they'll age 30 years.