Winemaker Notes
The wines from this terroir have diaphanous aromas of bright fruit and delicate floral notes. They offer a mineral freshness and lacy tannins that bear witness to the high proportion of limestone present in the marl. An exquisite gustatory experience that offers a clear demonstration of the power of nature to link a wine to its place of origin.
Professional Ratings
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Decanter
Palate coating fruit and very fine tannins in abundance. A highly structural wine, where the acidity, tannin and alcohol are really to the fore, the fruit buried within. I expect it to take on fruit weight over time however and grow into the structure. Full-bodied, fresh, textural and highly fragrant. Co-planted on limestone marls behind the village. 60% whole bunch, aged in Stockinger foudres except for 20% that is aged in terracotta amphorae.
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James Suckling
A richer expression without being heavy. Some untoward sweet oak gets in the way of the darker, bluer fruit. A bit sweet and sticky in the finish, to be hypercritical, but as this opens the tannins compress and expand. Ambitious old-world. Very good in the end. Drink after 2028. Alkina Grenache Assembly tasting.
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Wine Spectator
There's nice purity here, displaying a core of cassis and plum reduction notes coursing through, while light licorice, applewood and red tea hints run along the edges. Has a savory kick on the finish, with a subtle minerality lending length. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille is more floral, almost tropical, with rose petal, strawberry, and peppery notes in a medium to full-bodied, balanced package. It’s lively and fresh, with an exotic style that should show more classic Gigondas character with 2-3 years of bottle age. Given its balance and tannins, it should age gracefully. Best after 2024.
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.