2021 Gigondas Hominis Fides Château de Saint Cosme

Deep, vivid ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged scents of medicinal cherry, redcurrant and cassis are complemented by suggestions of star anise, white pepper and pungent flowers. It offers densely packed bitter cherry, red berry liqueur, lavender and licorice flavors that open up very slowly with air. Extremely primary but highly promising, with a long, spice- and mineral-tinged finish shaped by youthfully firming tannins. Made with 100% whole clusters; raised in barriques, one-third of them new.

The 2021 Gigondas Hominis Fides brings a touch more ripeness in its strawberry and darker berry fruits as well as spicy, earthy, graphite-like aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, supple, and downright pretty, with ultra-fine tannins, it's another elegant, beautifully balanced wine from this estate that will drink nicely right out of the gate.

A showstopper, this is chewy, smoky and broad-shouldered in the best possible way. Reveals layers of blackberry and plum matched by pronounced charred iron, dried thyme and black pepper. Shows serious mineral intensity and refined yet muscular tannins, which provide the framework and energy, while forest floor, tobacco and an intriguing menthol note mark the long finish.