Winemaker Notes
This cuvee reflects all their locations in Gigondas. It gets its character through the connection between eight different vineyards and four typical grape varieties of the Rhône Valley. Alluvial soils, red and blue clay, as well as marl lime, add to the taste and fragrance of this elegant and expressive wine as do the grape varieties of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Each terroir contributes to the overall picture with its character. Typically characterized by fresh fruit and noble, vegetal aromas in its youth, it usually develops a bouquet of exotic spices after a few years of bottle storage.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Fresh in feel, with bright red currant, damson plum and raspberry coulis notes streaming through, laced with pretty floral and mineral details along the way. Offers a long, pure finish. Best from 2020 through 2030.
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Jeb Dunnuck
What was previously released as the traditional Gigondas, the 2017 Gigondas Aux Leux Dits comes from four different terroirs (mostly on the lower plateau) and is raised in tank. It’s a crunchy, fresh, elegant wine that has a certain Burgundian style in its acid and tannin profile. Incorporating slightly less Grenache than normal, it has outstanding potential and should have 10-12+ years of prime drinking as well.
Range: 90-92 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Offering a mélange of black olives and mixed berries on the nose, the 2017 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits is mostly Grenache and Syrah, with smaller portions of Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Medium to full-bodied and ripe yet sturdy, it has tightened up considerably since last year (pre-bottling) and now looks as if it will need a couple of years to reopen and smooth out. Rating: 91+
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.