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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Decanter
Discreetly floral with blueberry and liquorice - rounded and juicy. A discrete style of wine, but it’s well balanced and has a sense of drinkability. There’s a nice sense of tannic finesse and it has good sense of direction and focus. Firm and well balanced, without excesses. Eight different plots around Gigondas, biodynamically farmed, partly destemmed.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe but understated style, with a mix of Damson plum, black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors mixed with wood spice and black tea notes. Stylish, pure finish. Drink now through 2033.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the two Gigondas, the 2018 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits offers a more medium-bodied, finesse-driven style as well as beautiful aromas of ripe strawberries, blackberries, spring flowers, and peppery garrigue. It has an almost Burgundian style yet is pure southern Rhône in its aromas and flavors. It is ideal for enjoying over the coming decade.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Currently more floral and expressive on the nose than the 2017, although less concentrated, the 2018 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits boasts hints of peppery spice, garrigue, a hint of roses and blueberry and raspberry fruit. It's medium to full-bodied, silky and taut, striking a good balance between ripeness and acidity, particularly noticeable on the long, mouthwatering finish.
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.