Winemaker Notes
An exceptional, high-character Gigondas. Look for an intensely aromatic bouquet and a palate that is both lush and precise, showcasing a harmonious blend of classic Provençal herbs, pepper, and garrigue. The tannins are evident but well-integrated, adding to its charm.
Blend: 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The only cuvée released in 2021, the 2021 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a beautiful, elegant red displaying the charming, supple, layered style of the vintage. Offering notes of Provençal herbs, pepper, and spicy red and black fruits, it's medium-bodied, has ripe, integrated tannins, and a great finish.
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James Suckling
Smoky and fruity nose with cherries, mixed berries, dried thyme and crushed peppercorns. Full body with chewy tannins. Spicy and punchy on the palate with lots of blueberries and plums, with fresh acidity running throughout. 80% grenache and 20% mourvedre. Vivid finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
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.