At their best, southern Rhône red wines capture an enticing array of fruit, floral, earth, herb and spice nuances. The 2012 Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas definitely exhibits these attractive characteristics. Made mostly from Grenache grapes, it captivates with its combination of juicy, ripe fruit, flowers and spices. The bouquet reveals luscious blackberry, cherry, and strawberry fruits backed by hints of lavender, marjoram, vanilla and cinnamon. On the palate, the layers of ripe strawberry and blackberry fruit are enhanced by the exotic floral, herb and spice tones. While certainly robust, the Raspail-Ay Gigondas displays a fine balance that bodes well for further development.
Domaine Raspail Ay, Gigondas (Rhône Valley, France) 2012
By Wayne Belding