The 2018 Gigondas Romane Machotte—an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in a combination of foudres and barriques—is perfumed and seductive, with hints of violets, roses, herbal tea and dried cherries on the nose. The palate is silky but structured, with some slightly astringent tannins that carry through to the lingering finish, but they’re nothing that can’t be tamed by some rare beef or lamb, or another year in the cellar. This has turned out even better than I projected from barrel.
