Gigondas Domaine Raspail-Ay 2016 (750ML)

93 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Plummy and rich, the 2016 Gigondas is full-bodied and velvety, everything you might expect from this benchmark estate. Dense and powerful, my only reservation is its slightly chocolaty, fudge-like notes and elevated alcohol (15.5% alcohol). Like always, it starts off as a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre in the vineyard, although exact proportions can vary from year to year, depending on yields among the different varieties." 8/9

93-95 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Lurid ruby-red. Highly expressive red and dark berry preserve aromas are complemented by incense, _ garrigue_ and floral pastille nuances. Sappy and seamless on the palate, offering deeply concentrated, primary black raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors and a touch of candied lavender. Smooth, harmonious tannins build slowly on an impressively long, seamless finish that leaves behind sappy floral and dark berry notes." 8/19

95 Points, Matt Walls, Decanter: "From a single unbroken plot near the village of Gigondas, matured in old foudres for 18-24 months, producing a single wine - no special cuvées. It has a lovely nose, really detailed with vibrant damson compote and blackberries. Black cherries can also be coaxed out, alongside some lavender and dark chocolate. The palate is medium-bodied, really fresh and crisp, with a long, herbal finish. It's already dangerously drinkable and buzzes with life. Really top stuff, with a lightness of touch and elegance that some others lack this year. (Drink between 2018-2030)" 10/17

92-94 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Similarly colored, the 2016 Gigondas (70% Grenache, 23% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) will be a beautiful wine from this reference point estate, and I suspect ranking among the finest wines ever made from this address. A huge blast of black raspberries, cherries, dried earth, pepper, and graphite notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly pure Gigondas that has present tannins, a great mid-palate, and no hard edges. It's going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for two decades...Reminding me of a mix of the 2007 and 2010, it's a gorgeous effort I plan on buying." 9/18