Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
Saturated violet color. Intensely perfumed, spice-tinged, kirsch, blackcurrant, fruitcake, vanilla and floral aromas pick up licorice, incense and smoky bacon nuances with air. Juicy, chewy and energetic in style, it offers palate-staining black and blue fruit liqueur, candied violet, star anise and mocha flavors that deepen as the wine stretches out. The floral, cherry and mineral notes repeat emphatically on a wonderfully long, juicy finish that features youthful but well-knit tannins and a hint of bitter chocolate. With the 2023 vintage, these vines will be a full century old.
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Jeb Dunnuck
All Mourvèdre brought up in used demi-muids, the 2020 Gigondas Le Plateau is a more focused, straight, structured wine. Giving up notes of darker berry fruits, some dusty earth, spice, and peppery herbs, it's medium to full-bodied, has lots of tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. This concentrated, burly, powerful Gigondas needs 3-4 years in the cellar and will cruise for 15-20 years. It's a gorgeous bottle of wine.
Rating: 94+ -
Wine Spectator
Dark and solidly built, with a stylish mix of cassis, blackberry and damson plum all edged in graphite. Savory acidity courses throughout, and black pepper, tar and smoke make this more savory than sweet; still-tight tannins will soften with time. Mourvèdre, 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.