Domaine Giraud

A traditional blend for the traditional cuvée, or if you prefer a classic blend for the classic cuvée; the blend here is 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, with the ageing shared between tank and foudre. The relatively high percentage of Syrah adds focus and tone, with ripe black cherry and cassis evidenced alongside herbal descriptors picked from the kitchen garden.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer

Marie Giraud had deserved the recent flood of plaudits from the great and the good, including one rather influential commentator. With initial guidance from another larger than life character, oenologist Philippe Cambie, she has adopted a biodynamic approach across 18 hectares of vines, most of which are located to the east of the commune. In the early days I was anxious that extraction was concealing fruit quality; this is no longer the case.

No fewer than 64 parcels are behind this cuvée which is made from 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Fleshy, sweet and generous, with hints of the garrigue and roasted herbs which underline its provenance, this wine is well named, its ageing shared between tank and foudre and its potential vast.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

Marie Giraud is quite business-like these days, and when asked about the vintage, she advises that it has more tension than 2007, less alcohol and concentration than 2010 and ultimately resembles 2009, which also had very small thick-skinned grapes. So there we are. Of course, 2009 was one of her most successful and applauded vintages… thankfully.

Old vine Grenache is the source here once again and this is a 100% example, from sandy soil vines located on the famous lieu-dits of Pignan and Crau, not too far from Rayas. It is a very special wine that almost seems too perfect now, such is its harmonious equilibrium, but it will age exceptionally well.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer

Marie Giraud had deserved the recent flood of plaudits from the great and the good, including one rather influential commentator. With initial guidance from another larger than life character, oenologist Philippe Cambie, she has adopted a biodynamic approach across 18 hectares of vines, most of which are located to the east of the commune. In the early days I was anxious that extraction was concealing fruit quality; this is no longer the case.

A blend of 60% Grenache, a high 35% of oak-aged Syrah and 5% Of Mourvèdre, this is a dense and rich Châteauneuf, fleshy and rich, with black cherry and kirsch liqueur dominating the palate and impressive tannins on the finish.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

With the weighty (in every sense) guidance of Rhône guru Philippe Cambie, Marie Giraud has re-invigorated this property, energising it with a pleasing combination of natural charm, organic viticulture and sensible yields. 2010 has, as Marie advises with pithy precision, ‘plus de buvabilité’ than its immediate predecessor.

From the sandy soil adjacent to Rayas in the Grand Pierre lieu-dit, this is a stunning cuvée, rich and forward on one level and yet profound and wonderfully feminine on another. With time the aromatics will yield a floral garland of unbridled magnificence.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

With the weighty (in every sense) guidance of Rhône guru Philippe Cambie, Marie Giraud has re-invigorated this property, energising it with a pleasing combination of natural charm, organic viticulture and sensible yields. 2010 has, as Marie advises with pithy precision, ‘plus de buvabilité’ than its immediate predecessor.