The 2016 Gigondas Romane Machotte is a terrific effort, offering up darkfruited notes of cola, dried spices and cracked pepper. The blend is 80-20 Grenache and Syrah, with the aging taking place in oak of varying sizes. It’s fullbodied and creamy in texture through the mid-palate, while picking up intriguing notes of mocha and baking spices on the long finish.