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.
A ruby-purple color. A fresh and expressive nose, on small red berries, morello cherry, cherry, licorice sweet, plum and kirsch. Tannins of great finesse and freshness, all the typicity of the sands.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Also all Grenache brought up in demi-muids, the 2020 Gigondas Le Lieu-Dit is in the same qualitative ballpark but shows a very different style. Coming from a cooler, sandy terroir near the domaine, it's all about finesse and elegance and is full-bodied, with lots of ripe strawberry and cherry fruits, notes of dried flowers, spice, and loamy earth, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It's another insanely good wine from this estate that will have two decades of longevity.
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Wine Spectator
Friendly and open, this also shows impressive concentration to the ripe cherry, warm red licorice and cassis edged in vanilla. A stylish wine with terrific Grenache fruit purity, this also has character and grace. Delivers dried herbs, snappy acidity and fine-grained tannins, which keep the finish clean and vibrant. Drink now through 2035.
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James Suckling
Very deep, with subtle red fruit, spice and meat aromas, this full-bodied Gigondas has the very sensual interplay of richness and fine tannins that we associate with this appellation. Very long, creamy and spicy finish. From a parcel of old grenache vines with a northeasterly exposure.
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.