Domaine Raspail-Ay, Gigondas, 2010

"If you are looking for Rhone wine that is consistently good and sensibly priced, then you are likely to find satisfaction with the wines of Dominique Ay. As an appellation, Gigondas is far from stylistically homogeneous. There are over 70 different producers and all have their own approach. Raspail-Ay falls into the traditional camp, their wines being aged in large old oak ‘foudres’ for up to 24 months. The dominant variety of Gigondas is always grenache, an excellent variety when properly managed, and the backbone and mainstay of the majority of red wines in the southern Rhone valley. Generous is the adjective that always springs to my mind. It makes up 80% of the red wine here, with some mourvedre and syrah being included to improve the overall balance and add a little more complexity. The wines are perfectly approachable soon after bottling, but these are wines that can generally be expected to improve for up to a further decade and often a good deal longer." Mark Savage, master of wine.

"The superb 2010 Gigondas exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with abundant notes of spring flowers, black raspberries, kirsch, crushed rocks and garrigue offered in a full-bodied, richly fruity, gorgeously textured and pure style. It represents elegance combined with substance and authority. Drink it over the next 10-15 years. "

Proprietor Dominique Ay owns 45 acres in Gigondas. I have been a huge fan of his wines ever since the mid-1970s. The only cuvee he makes is a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah with a touch of Mourvedre, all aged in old wood foudres. The average age of the vines is around 40 years." Robert Parker