Winemaker Notes
Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This is a backward brute, with a wall of roasted bay leaf, cedar, alder and juniper guarding the core of black currant, fig, prune and plum notes. Heady and dense, but there's plenty of cut on the finish, with a grounding rod of charcoal and singed iron keeping everything upright and focused. Best from 2015 through 2032.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the 2010 Gigondas Valbelle saw some small new oak barrels during its upbringing. There are about 700 cases of this cuvee compared to the 3,400 cases of the classic Gigondas. One of the vintage’s most profound wines, the 2010 Valbelle exhibits an opaque purple color along with copious notes of black raspberries, creme de cassis, incense, forest floor, spring flowers and subtle underbrush and earthiness. There may even be a hint of black truffles in this complex, full-bodied, massively endowed Gigondas. Neither heavy nor ponderous, it is a brilliant example that should drink nicely for 15 years.
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.