Winemaker Notes
The 2018 vintage is characterized by exceptional weather conditions. Flowering took place in the best possible conditions, with a historically abundant grape output. A few rainy episodes at the end of the spring complicated things a little with an attack of mildew, but the good weather then settled down until harvest, which took place under idyllic conditions. The wines are beautiful.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Leading off the Gigondas releases, the 2018 Gigondas La Gille offers a medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless style that’s very much in the style of the vintage. Plenty of spice, flowers, strawberries, and blueberry notes all emerge from this glass and it has light tannins, terrific balance, and beautiful length on the finish. Range: 91-93+
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
For the 2018 Gigondas La Gille, the focus is on mid-slope sites with sandy topsoils and limestone underneath. There are some pretty herbal tea shadings on the nose, followed up by cherries on the palate. It's full-bodied and silky but firm, ending on a dusting of dried spices and star anise. Range: 90-92
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Wine & Spirits
The Perrin family sources La Gille from vineyards just south of the village of Gigondas, where the soils are sandy and mixed with limestone. In 2018, the wine seems to reflect the lightness of the soil in its charm: It’s silky and fresh, with flavors of red and black cherries that radiate a sunny brightness. While it has the structure to develop further, it’s enjoyable now, to drink with a grilled pork chop with cherry compote.
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.