Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Ogier Gigondas Dentellis is a frank ruby color. The nose is elegant and complex with aromas of fruits, kirsch and hints of brushwood and menthol notes. A round and full-bodied palate, and at the same time very elegant and quite fresh. Long and fruity finish with hints of vanilla.
Try this wine with savory dishes such as meat dishes and casseroles.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Raised in foudres and demi-muids, the 2016 Gigondas Dentellis is a stunning effort, redolent of flowering garrigue and ripe black cherries. It's full-bodied and creamy in texture through the mid-palate, ripe and concentrated, with a long, silky finish. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, this should drink well for a decade or more.
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Wine Enthusiast
Plump black plum and berry aromas are accented by hints of violet and dried mushroom on the nose here. It's a plush but soft-spoken wine with richness balanced by finely edged tannins and bright acidity. The finish lingers on an elegant but savory tone. Enjoy now–2028.
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Wine Spectator
Delightfully pure, with crushed cherry and red currant fruit streaming through, laced with subtle savory, chalk and violet notes. Gains grip steadily through the finish as the fruit and other elements flesh out with air. Best from 2019 through 2028.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The same blend, the 2016 Gigondas Dentellis is finer and more elegant, with slightly more minerality, terrific blackberry and black raspberry fruits, medium body, and fine, polished tannin. It's another seamless, incredibly satisfying 2016 that’s going to drink well for 7-8 years. While I don’t know the price, I also suspect this will represent a terrific value.
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James Suckling
Dark-spice and earthy notes on the nose, swinging into savory territory. The palate has a smooth, spicy feel with cassis and dark plums. Supple and essence-like 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.