Chapoutier Gigondas

[Innkeeper]

1997 M. Chapoutier, Gigondas. Holding it up to a candle revealed a seductive garnet red color. On the nose were spices and black pepper. Strong plums and spices up front followed by wonderful earthy notes, and perfectly balanced acid and tannin. The finish lingered on and on. Matched nicely with a grillpanned, vinaigrette marinated flank steak with salad and Maytag bluecheese dressing. This is perceptively better than the '95 previously reviewed. It is also more expensive; $22.76 at Pops. Father would have rolled his eyes to hear I spent that much on a grenache. Michael, I don't care if the terrior is laced with gold dust. It's still grenache.

[Innkeeper]

Even better with a little more time in rack. Matched with grillpanned lamb steak wonderfully.