Winemaker Notes
Domaine les Pallieres Gigondas Racines, which flows from the estate's very old vines, possesses the velvet, depth and harmony of old Grenache when cultivated on refined terroirs. It has very high ageing potential, with balance being the prime factor.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A textural, vivid and precise Gigondas, exhibiting aromas of dark cherries, cassis, flowers, Mediterranean brush and warm spices. Full-bodied, it has powdery tannins and a refined texture, silky yet lively, sharp and vibrant. Lots of energy and direction. Old-vine character to the concentrated center palate with intense, spicy wild-herb qualities. Flavorful and driven. The finish vibrates for a long time.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A dense, deep bouquet of dark cherries, flowers, spices and garrigue prefaces the 2022 Gigondas Les Racines, a medium to full-bodied, tense and perfectly balanced Gigondas with fine-grained, good depth at the core enhanced by a crystalline, delicate texture and a saline, harmonious finish. Refined, chiseled and intensely perfumed, this wine is a blend of 85% Grenache Noir (40% destemmed) and 15% Syrah and Cinsault.
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Vinous
Vinified with 20% whole clusters, the 2022 Gigondas Racines outperforms the Terrasse du Diable from the same vintage. Orange rind, rose petals, ripe red fruits, dried herbs and white pepper are all pushed forward in this sexy Gigondas that’s totally alluring.
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Wine Spectator
A serious, tightly wound red, with bolts of iron grounding plum preserves and lavender. There’s a smoldering feel to the palate, with notes of black pepper, cured meat and salty earth. Density builds, with a muscular feel to the substantial finish, yet this still offers finesse. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Clairette.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.