Cecile Chassagne's father helped establish the Cru appellation of Gigondas in 1971. It was also the year he planted his own vineyards. Still using those plantings, Cecile makes classically styled Gigondas that showcases the cooler aspect of the region with its vibrant raspberry fruit, tobacco and garrigue notes. Using large format wood (all many years old), there is no heavy or saturated infusion of new oak, just a purely made example of Grenache, with a little Syrah and Mourvedre. The vintage was perfect for Cecile and this is one of her best wines to date. With this sharp a price (under $20!), this is a great way to approach this appellation and see why I drink more Gigondas than Chateauneuf!