Château Gigognan – Clos du Roi 2018 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The nose is elegant, gourmand and offers a small richness (but full of balance/control), finesse of the grain as well as a good aromatic purity. It reveals notes of candied Mirabelle, small crushed yellow fruits, small notes of lemon, honey associated with small touches of apple, a racy minerality as well as discreet hints of dry local copse and a very discreet hint of grey pepper. The palate is beautifully defined and offers freshness, juiciness, a good definition, gourmandize as well as a fine acidulous frame, a very fine tension, precision, a good aromatic purity, a fine unctuosity, a small richness and harmony. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/fleshy quince, crushed Mirabelle, small notes of kumquat associated with small touches of lemon/mandarine, apricot flowers, bee wax, lychee as well as a subtle hint of rose, olive tree leaf, a very discreet hint of acacia and toasted almond. Good length. A good gourmand persistence with discreet hints of toasted hazelnut, nougat and bee wax.