Gigondas Reviews

Juicy yet restrained style, with mineral-laced cherry and plum notes mixed with garrigue accents. Hints of tea and incense line the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 1,500 cases made, 100 cases imported. — JM

Gently mulled black currant and blackberry fruit is backed by singed wood spice, dried anise and black tea notes, with a fine chalky mineral streak appearing through the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2030. 1,500 cases made, 400 cases imported. — JM

As I predicted last year, Louis Bernard's 2016 Gigondas has turned out well and will undoubtedly be an excellent value once pricing is released (the 2014 is the latest vintage available in the United States at the time of this writing). Hints of garrigue accent ripe cherry and stone fruit aromas, while the full-bodied palate is creamy and supple in texture. It's already so drinkable, so sexy, that I question its ability to age, so enjoy it over the next 6-7 years.

The 2015 Gigondas was still aging in tank at the time of my tastings, yet it appears to be a charming, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured 2015 that has classic red and black fruits, leafy herbs and apple peppery spice aromas and flavors. It should end up being an outstanding wine. 

The 2016 Gigondas looks to be a no-brainer, and it offers outstanding aromas and flavors of cassis, peppery spice, and camphor, with a ripe, polished, fruit forward style. This total crowd pleaser has lots of fruit, as well as sweet tannin, and should drink nicely right out of the gate. 

Deep ruby. Fresh dark berry scents show a hint of jamminess and complementary notes of potpourri and white pepper. Sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors are accented by a hint of bitter chocolate, while a mineral flourish adds lift and cut. Closes supple, warm and broad, showing very soft tannins and good, fruity persistence. - Josh Raynolds