Winemaker Notes
A deep garnet. A radiant nose of black fruits, roasting, violets and licorice. A creamy mouth, crisp fruit and spices, with the bottom but also a lot of finesse. Excellent early drinkability. After a few years, expect nice notes of prune brandy, undergrowth, leather and tobacco.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the Gigondas releases, the classic 2016 Gigondas (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and the balance Cinsault) comes from a mix of estate terroirs and will see 18 months in a mix of barrels, foudre, and demi-muids. It offers terrific notes of black raspberries, caramelized cherries, orange blossom and spice as well as a full-bodied, rich, multi-dimensional texture on the palate. You can chase the top cuvées, but don’t overlook this beauty.
Range: 91-93
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Hints of garrigue accent raspberries and Rainier cherries in the 2016 Gigondas. This blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault is full-bodied and supple, with no hard edges, just lovely fruit. Long, seamless and delicious for drinking over the next 6-7 years, it's a terrific introduction to the fruit-forward style at this estate. Tasted twice with consistent notes.
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Wine Spectator
Juicy and engaging, with a tightly focused beam of raspberry and boysenberry pâte de fruit flavors carried by racy acidity. Dark anise and singed apple wood notes fill in on the finish, with a light floral detail checking in and adding range. Best from 2020 through 2029.
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.