From a vineyard at 400 meters above sea level (near the upper limit of the appellation), the 2017 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle is a 90-10 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged several years in oak. Like many of the cuvées that see extended time in barrel, the oak actually seems to recede over time, being most prominent sometime between eight and 14 months. Now that this wine is in bottle, it does reveal hints of mocha, dried spices and cedar, but—more importantly—stronger notes of dark earth and ripe cherries. Full-bodied and velvety, it’s a powerful, muscular example of Gigondas that may be consumed young or aged up to a decade.
