Gigondas has produced a very good vintage. The fruit in 2005 is generally clear-cut, and persistent. The crispness of the fruit and the wholesome, rich palate flavours open up a potentially long life ahead, towards 2019-22. Tannins are constructive and balanced. The vineyard clearly rendered a very healthy and well-balanced crop. By March 2007, the wines had made progress since a tasting of around 100 samples in November and December 2006: initially the challenge appeared to be that of the élevage – the raising of the wine. At that stage, only a small handful was bottled, and most were oak-raised, the age of the oak and the size of the cask varying widely. 95% of the wines had something to say for themselves, a very impressive indicator of quality. But the variation at that early stage – before any winter cold might settle them – came from the uneven effect of the raising, with some out of balance. By March 2007, there is more unity in the wines. They progress well through the palate, freshness and fruit being followed by well-set tannins and plenty of grip. The best wines are rich, harmonious and rounded and will stand up well against any recent vintage as far back as 1990

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