Winemaker Notes
An ink-like robe in appearance. A floral nose, black olive and rosewood. On the palate, a very monolithic profile, almost timeless. The fruit, and then the green touch of complexity, of the ripe stalk. Very large tannins quality, in tight rows, and smooth by long aging.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Le Plateau is a new single-vineyard selection of about 1ha of very old north-facing vines on blue marls and limestone. The fruit is hand-picked and foot-crushed, matured for 18 months in three very old demi-muids. It's unmistakably Mourvèdre in its blueberry, liquorice and violet expression - but certainly Gigondas. It's very rounded and concentrated, not massive but really making a physical impression on your palate with its hefty, ripe tannins. It's electric and compelling, even without that distinctive plump, polished Gigondas fruit.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Gigondas Le Plateau is another unusual blend for a Gigondas and is all Mourvèdre that was not destemmed and was aged in three older demi-muids. It has thrilling blue fruits, crushed violets, exotic flowers, and peppery notes that develop with time in the glass. These carry to a full-bodied Gigondas that packs serious fruit, texture, and tannins while staying perfectly balanced and elegant. It’s a thrilling wine and up with the top releases from the Southern Rhône. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more. Rating: 95+
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Wine Spectator
A bit grippier than most in the vintage, with lively black currant and blackberry fruit, liberally mixed with savory, sage, alder and licorice root notes. Shows good energy through the finish. Very solid. Best from 2021 through 2035
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Only two demi-muids of the Mourvèdre-based 2017 Gigondas Le Plateau were produced. That's a shame, as it boasts amazing perfumes of licorice, roses and strawberries. It's full-bodied in the mouth, with ample concentration and a rich mouthfeel, adding notes of sous-bois and even more red fruit. Remarkable stuff that's becoming a cult favorite. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.
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Wine Enthusiast
This atypical Gigondas was made from 100% Mourvèdre sourced from a single vineyard of marl and limestone soils. Lavishly perfumed, it wafts of rose petals, violet and anise. The palate extends on plush layers of plum and cherry gripped by fine, sandpapery tannins. Approachable in its youth, the wine should improve through 2030.
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.