Notre Dame des Pallieres Gigondas Les Mourres 2020
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Jeb
Dunnuck
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This wine is dressed in a beautiful purple robe with deep and brilliant reflections. Its nose exhales an aromatic bouquet and a great complexity, on notes of very ripe fruits such as blackberry and cherry, wrapped by an elegant folded key. The palate is perfectly balanced, both concentrated and delicate, on jammy fruit and spices. The finish is long, extending on straight tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
There are two 2020 Gigondas from Notre Dame des Pallières. Looking first at the 2020 Gigondas Les Mourres, it's a blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, brought up mostly in concrete yet with a small amount in foudre. This red-fruited, complex, floral 2020 has medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, silky tannins, and a great finish. It's a classic, classy Gigondas to drink over the coming 10-12 years or more. Best After 2023
Other Vintages
2019-
Jeb
Dunnuck
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Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Enthusiast
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Wine
Enthusiast -
Robert
Parker -
Jeb
Dunnuck
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.