Winemaker Notes
First elaborated in 2009, Le Lieu Dit is a parcel of old-vine Grenache planted on sand with north and northwestern exposure. At 210 meters in elevation and surrounded by forest, this site is late-ripening and low yielding, averaging only 16hl/ha. It is fermented with 30% whole clusters and by natural yeasts and is aged in only neutral 600L French oak demi-muids—380 cases produced in an average year.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Gigondas Le Lieu-Dit is as good as it gets – hats off to the young Julien Brechet for one of the finest Gigondas ever made. Coming from a cooler, sandy terroir next to this estate and all Grenache, it was 70% destemmed and spent 18 months in used demi-muids before being moved to concrete tanks prior to bottling. A Grand Cru Red Burgundy-like array of wild strawberries, framboise, flowers, sappy green herbs, and spice all emerge on the nose. This is followed by a seamless, full-bodied, incredibly pure Gigondas that’s more about finesse and elegance than sheer power. I love it today, yet it has the balance, as well as structure, to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for two decades if stored properly. Best after 2024.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Bold raspberry and black cherry aromas are laced with Campari-like spice on the nose of the stunning 2019 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit, which comes from a sandy, southwest-facing parcel that is consistently among the last plots on the estate to be harvested. Full-bodied and velvety in texture, this is a rich, tannic (but ripe) example of Grenache that should be capable of aging well for close to two decades.
Range: 95-97 -
Wine Spectator
Delicious crushed raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors weave together, giving this version an equally enticing textural edge, while mouthwatering red licorice and rooibos tea notes stitch up the edges. Subtle mineral note infuses the finish, giving this a subtle grounding as the fruit sails through. Drink now.
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Decanter
Very classically Gigondas in its fresh, flowing, juicy, berry fruits, but also contemporary in its fruit definition and transparency. Fresh, well balanced, with plenty of fine, ripe tannin. Alcohol is just a little raised, but a big, bright Gigondas for early to mid-term drinking. From a 1.8ha plot of north-facing, old vine Grenache in organic conversion, sandy soils. 30% whole bunch, matured in old demi-muids.
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.