Famille Jaume Pascal & Richard Cru des Côtes-du-Rhône Gigondas 2020

This gorgeous, old vine, hand-harvested blend of 80% grenache/20% syrah shows attractive aromas of crushed mixed berries, plum, cola, black tea and a hint of rose petal. Beautiful alcohol integration leaves all the space for fresh berry flavours to shine along with mixed dry herb and notes of delicious briny black olives all wrapped in polished tannins slightly drying the palate. This versatile exquisite red is surprisingly lighter on its feet than expected, providing endless options for food pairing. Try slow cooked pot roast or thin-crust pizza with black olives or duck confit. Drink or cellar [through 2028+]. Score – 93. (Louise Boutin, winecurrent.com, Jan. 19, 2022)