Maison Arnoux & Fils Gigondas Vieux Clocher "Nobles Terrasses"

Not bad for a bottle this old. Tannin mellowed and lot of complexity lost, but can still get some cherry, leather, and Lincorice

paired with braised lamb shank ragu dinner. Held up nicely and had plenty of structure to be well integrated with the meal. Decanted a few hours before serving, kept cool i.e. below 70 F for serving. Nose was rich with lots of good fruit and some earthiness. on the palate is was dense, dark and terrific. Very nice, esp. for the price point. Would do it again.

good value wins, nice QPR. long fruity finish

paired well with cassoulet, structured and balanced, light pepper and red fruit, short finish

Aromatic, well balanced, moderate to mild tannin, OK acid. Typical Rhone nose, long and nice finish. Splendid with dinner (spaghetti & meat sauce).

With BBQ dinner, over a couple of hours softened to pleasant Rhone but not remarkable, good fruit but lacks tannin and acid to age well. Tasted next to Ch. Raspail 2007, which had more stuffing and is a bit cheaper to boot.

Medium intensity nose of licorice, dark fruit and soil. Similar flavors. Very nice fruit. In the mouth this is youthful, unsettled, light body with a light tannic finish. I would give this time.

Helen's dinner -- OK, a tad 1D with fruit and some oak. Not bad, just not as expressive tonight.

nice supple tannins along with candied plums and cherries very well balanced for it youth and will last for mid-term cellaring. Baby CDP.

Best moderate price red Rhone I have had recently. Big fruit, good acid, not too much wood. Good for current drinking.