The 2017 Gigondas Hominis Fides plays in the same realm. As with the Le Claux, it’s all Grenache, not destemmed, and was brought up in roughly 30% new Burgundy barrels. Blackberries, freshly ground pepper, light gunpowder, and crushed rock notes all define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, powerful and concentrated on the palate. Possessing incredible elegant and ultra-fine tannins, this beauty just glides over the palate with no hard edges. Nevertheless, it has loads of structure and will benefit from 2-4 years of cellaring.

Lavishly ripe, penetrating black cherry and red plum are gobsmacking in this wine, intensified by tangs of crushed stone and vibrant acidity. It's pristine in fruit character yet accented by judicious notes of toast, nut and spice. A decadent but firmly structured wine, it has decades of fine drinking ahead. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Full vivid ruby. Highly expressive, mineral- and spice-driven aromas of ripe red berries, potpourri and incense show sharp definition, and suggestions of candied lavender, cola and vanilla build in the glass. Shows impressive depth as well as energy on the palate, offering powerful raspberry, cherry preserve and floral pastille flavors and an emerging suggestion of exotic spices. Finishes with a jolt of juicy acidity, alluring sweetness and harmonious tannins that lend shape to a wonderfully long, spice- and floral-drenched finish. (Feb 2020)

Alluring, featuring a wave of crushed boysenberry, raspberry and black currant fruit that melds with tar, roasted tobacco, alder and dark earth notes as this moves along. A sleek sanguine accent and fine acidity skirt underneath, giving this subtle lift and cut. One for the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035. 215 cases made, 37 cases imported. — JM – Wine Spectator

More peppery and floral than it was looking last year from barrel, the 2017 Gigondas Hominis Fides is another gorgeous Gigondas from the talented Louis Barruol. Boasting vibrant cassis fruit and hints of dark chocolate, this full-bodied, velvety-textured wine is a real beauty, showing terrific harmony and elegance on the finish.