Winemaker Notes
This 2017 vintage will be remembered as the year of all records: the driest year in 30 years, non-interventionist vineyard work, optimal harvest conditions, a very small yield due to climatic hazards, and wines with very rich potential.Back on this very technical vintage with great potential. 2017 began with a particularly dry and mild winter, resulting in a precocious vine. After a sudden drop in temperatures in the early spring with severe frost in several areas, temperatures rose again well above seasonal averages. The flowering was fast, with important and extensive shatter on Grenache and Carignan. The vineyard, however, remained very healthy. The summer was exceptionally hot and dry, leading to a very early start of harvest in mid-August. Harvest lasted until October 5 with ideal conditions, alternating hot days and cool nights. The cellar work was very technical and precise and the first tastings reveal wines with a great potential, very well balanced and aromatic that should be among some of our best vintages.
The vines grow on limestone, calcareous marl and sandy soils, giving the Grenache immense finesse and elegance with unique aromas.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2017 Gigondas La Gille offers a beautiful bouquet of savory red fruits, potpourri, dried flowers, and violets. Incredibly elegant, fine, and polished on the palate, it shows beautiful intensity with a Burgundy-like elegance and seamlessness. Rating: 91-93
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Wine Enthusiast
In this wine hints of earth, crushed stone and restrained black cherry gain richness from nose to palate. Zesty, concentrated black-fruit flavors are backed by a firm strike of minerality and fiery, persistent tannins. This stately wine should open and improve now through 2030.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The medium to full-bodied 2017 Gigondas La Gille comes across as slightly floral and tea-like on the nose, backed by ripe cherries. It's not as concentrated or structured as some vintages, seemingly more about harmony and drinkability. Rating: 90-92
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Wine Spectator
A bright, slightly high-pitched style, with a mix of red and black currant flavors mixed with savory, lilac and chalky mineral notes. Offers a fresh and racy feel through the 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.