Guillaume Gonnet "Le Brave" Cairanne 2022

Vin Chicago: 90+ Points

(10/2025) This is the secret weapon in a portfolio of forward, delicious Southern Rhone reds from multi-generational grower Guillaume Gonnet. The commune of Cairanne continues to show its mettle, receiving promotion to Cru status in 2018 - now on the level of Gigondas or Chateauneuf-du-Pape, but priced oh-so more affordably. With a bit of aeration this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah delivers a dark-hued red fruit explosion with sauteed red plum, bramble berry, macerated strawberry, sage, candied fennel stalk a hint of cassis - a jammy-but-fresh profile that reminds us of some of our favorite Zinfandel. Suave and refined in the mouth for a "big wine" this is downright elegant for its class.