I am fond of a bit of Gigie on occasion and keep a fair bit in the cellar back to about 1995 (Santa Duc Haut Garrigues) .
This one had served me well over the years and I was down to only a couple of bottles so when we concocted a particularly toothsome beef stew, it seemed a good time to broach one.
It turned out to be delightful - still fairly dark and showing a deep fruit nose with some interesting smoke and sandalwood highlights. Smooth and long in the mouth, finishing with medium length and lingering hints of chocolate and mushroom! I have a half dozen 98 Gigondas in the cellar - it may be time for some comparison tastings.