Winemaker Notes
This wine contains notes of raspberry, ancient roses, almond, violet.
Professional Ratings
-
Wine Spectator
Very intense, showing terrific cut thanks to racy, thoroughly embedded acidity that drives through the massive core of roasted plum, fig, black currant and sage flavors. The finish lets mesquite and black tea notes weave in, without losing any drive. Seriously packed for the cellar. Best from 2012 through 2023. 200 cases made.
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2009 Gigondas Hominis Fides 100% Grenache from sandy and limestone soils aged 12 months in small barrels (30% new, 40% one-year-old and 30% two to three-years old) possesses slightly sweeter tannin but is not as massive or concentrated as the traditional cuvee. Rich and medium to full-bodied, with lots of minerality, red and black fruit, crushed rock and floral notes, this wine should be drinkable upon release, and evolve for a decade or more.
Range:90-93
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.