2020 Famille Perrin Gigondas L'Argnée Vieilles Vignes, Southern Rhone

Another gem, the 2020 Gigondas L’Argnée Vieilles Vignes comes from sandy soils and very old vines, and compared to the 2019, this saw a touch more whole clusters in the fermenters. Blueberries, wild strawberries, pepper, spice, and sandalwood are just some of the nuances, and this puppy is full-bodied, with a seamless texture, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish.

95-97 points jebdunnuck.com

Famille Perrin Gigondas L'Argnée Vieilles Vignes is an exceptional old-vine Grenache-driven wine from one of the most revered terroirs in the Southern Rhône. The Perrin family, best known for their work at Château de Beaucastel, has long championed the Gigondas appellation, and L'Argnée represents one of their most limited and sought-after wines. Sourced from a tiny parcel of pre-phylloxera, ungrafted vines—some of the oldest in the region—this wine captures the purest essence of Grenache, with depth, intensity, and remarkable finesse.

Deep ruby with a garnet edge, the wine opens with captivating aromas of wild strawberries, ripe raspberries, and black cherries, layered with notes of dried herbs, cracked pepper, and garrigue. Subtle hints of lavender, crushed rock, and smoked earth add further complexity. The palate is powerful yet incredibly refined, with silky tannins supporting concentrated red and black fruit flavors. A vibrant mineral streak and fresh acidity provide balance, leading to a long, elegant finish with lingering spice, anise, and dried rose petals.

L’Argnée Vieilles Vignes pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, duck confit, or slow-braised beef dishes. Its structure and aromatic complexity also make it an excellent match for wild game, truffle-infused dishes, and aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego. While stunning in its youth, this wine has the potential to evolve over 15–20 years, gaining even greater depth and nuance.