Winemaker Notes
Blend: 80% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Cinsault, 5% Clairette
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Enormously deep and powerful, but the full and fine tannins hold this mighty ship on course straight into the sunset. Great forest-berry aromas, but at the finish the wild-herb character expands and expands. Excellent aging potential! A blend of 80% grenache, 8% syrah, 7% cinsault and 5% clairette.
Range: 95-96 -
Vinous
Shimmering ruby-red. The bouquet evokes pungent cherry, dark berry, floral, licorice, black tea and smoky mineral aromas. Youthfully taut bitter cherry and black raspberry flavors show excellent depth, and a spicy touch of cracked pepper sharpens the back half. Subtly chewy tannins build on a very long, penetrating finish that leaves bitter chocolate and candied lavender notes behind.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2020 Gigondas Les Racines comes from the oldest vines of the estate, which are located slightly lower down on the slope, around the winery, and consist of more clay soils. This cuvée is a similar blend of 80% Grenache and the balance Cinsault and Syrah. Red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and spicy notes define this solid 2020, and it's medium to full-bodied, with fine tannins and a seamless mouthfeel. It's not a blockbuster but has terrific purity and elegance. It too is perfect for drinking over the coming 10-12 years. Best After 2023
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.