Domaine du Grapillon d’Or, Gigondas (Rhône Valley, France) 2012

This 2012 “Excellence” bottling from Domaine du Grapillon d’Or shows less oak than the 2013 “1806” bottling, yet it displays even more depth, density and guts.  The fruit profile is also notably different, centered on dark cherries and berries rather than red fruits.  The aromas and flavors are quite open and expressive right now, though the wine may shut down somewhat before hitting optimal maturity in another five years or so.  Delicious and enduringly interesting.