Domaine Raspail-Ay Gigondas 2022

One family, one vineyard, one wine — Domaine Raspail-Ay has made nothing but Gigondas since 1854, and this is the same single cuvée that built its cult following.

Grape Varietals & Region: A blend of roughly 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, grown on a single 19-hectare block of mid-slope vines in Gigondas, Southern Rhône, just below the craggy peaks of the Dentelles de Montmirail — widely regarded as the appellation's best terroir.

Taste Profile: Black cherry and raspberry lead, layered with floral, herbal and garrigue notes; the palate is full-bodied and richly fruited, with silky, well-mellowed tannins, touches of sandalwood and a leathery, meaty depth that lingers.

Winemaking Process: Aged 20 months or more in large, ancient oak foudres, then rested a further several months in old demi-muids in the estate's naturally cool chais — a long, patient élevage that softens the tannins without adding new oak character.

Winemaker: Eugène Raspail built Château Raspail and founded the domaine in 1854; six generations later, the estate remains entirely in family hands, now run by Anne-Sophie and Christophe Ay, who continue their family's singular focus: one vineyard, one wine, made the same deliberate way every vintage.