Gigondas L'Argnee VV, Perrin - Château de Beaucastel 2017

Very spicy and peppery on the nose, with a mix of summer fruits and darker, richer autumnal blackberry and cherry. The palate has a mouthfilling, rich and expansive core of fruit. White pepper and garrigue add layers of intrigue, and though this is full bodied and rich, the chalky tannins and spicy nature of the wine tame the richer and riper fruits. Harmonious and perfectly balanced, with a long finish that manages to be both sweet and savoury.

Cask sample. Dense, thick palate. Compressed nose. A coiled spring. There’s some liquorice and aniseed character if you really look for it, but this is quite muscle-bound and brooding at this stage.