Gigondas

This is a wonderful example of what good-value Gigondas can offer. The intensity of aromatics with liquorice, kirsch, rosemary and thyme is inviting and persists on the finish. While the fruit concentration is powerful, there is a touch of sweetness and spice on the mid-palate, the tannins powdery and firm, providing balance and focus. Drink now to 2024.
Fiona Hayes, Rhône Buyer

From centurion vines on the edge of Sablet, this pre-phylloxera sandy plot has produced a powerful and richly concentrated wine, its sinewy chocolate texture indulged in a seamless construction.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

Few developments have been as telling or as significant as the progress made by the Perrins in the villages outside of their Chteauneuf-du-Pape fortress. Their aspiration has been clear and it has been honourable; through ownership, partnership and, where appropriate, acquisition, they wish to build a portfolio which shows the very best in the very best of the terroirs which these villages have to offer and thereby to promote both the Perrin philosophy, which is focused on quality and quality only, and in the process, to raise the profile of the region as a whole. The progress made to date has been most impressive! The artists formerly known as Perrin Pre et Fils now prefer the title of La Famille Perrin

The blend this year is approximately 73% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 7% Syrah, the last of these three making an unusual appearance in recognition of Yves’ admiration of this variety in 2012, a year when Mourvèdre had to work hard. Be that as it may, it has all its customary savoury spicy richness, with ripe black fruit at its core and a fine, gently minty freshness on the finish.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

The ebullient Yves Gras can always be relied upon for a sound-bite or two; 2012 is for him an excellent vintage because for him a long season, so far south, engenders inevitable complexity and balance. The wines are getting even better during élevage, he adds, risking a non-sequitur… but I am disinclined to argue with such a robust character and the wines share his forthright salty charm.

As the names suggest, Les Racines is sourced from lower vineyards than Les Terrasses ( Daniel’s other Gigondas) , but from older vines, over 65 years of age in the case of the Grenache which makes up 90% of this cuvée, the balance made up of Mourvèdre. A surprisingly feminine floral aromatic is followed by a fine and elegant palate with notes of myrtle and licorice, mocha and forest floor all evidenced.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012

Daniel Brunier detects a ‘strong sinewy’ character in his 2010s, something of the 2005 in other words, but with greater depth. His wines are perhaps more Roundhead than the Cavalier vintages of 2009 and 2007 and will be very long-lasting as a result. The on-going evolution ( if you will pardon the tautology) of La Roquète continues to impress and les Pallières bears virtually no resemblance at all to the raw and sinewy Gigondas I first encountered, with no lack of trepidation, a decade ago.

A stunning old-vine cuve, potent and layered, still developing in new oak (it will benefit from over 20 months in total), this is a Grenache which suggests future indulgence. Deep, dark fruits combine with firm acidity to underpin a structure of Doric ambition.

Les Pallières is one of the most beautiful properties in the Rhône Valley, nestled between the villages of Sablet and Gigondas in a natural, woody amphitheatre. The older vines nearer the property go into Les Racines, those higher up make up Les Terrasses du Diable. This year Les Racines is ostensibly more austere and reserved, but will ultimately prove more rewarding as its dark spicy personality starts to reveal itself. 
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer

In his quarterly newsletter, ’Sémaphore’ Daniel Brunier does not mince his words when he describes the 2012 vintage as ‘simply phenomenal’, inculpating ‘freshness of fruit, balance, and serious tannic structure’ for this state of affairs. And so it proves that in all three wines that there is both power and lightness of touch.  The ballet dancer Carlos Acosta comes to mind, or even Nureyev himself.

Rhône 2010 Berrys' Best Buys - Southern Belles
Domaine Montirius is an impeccable biodynamic estate that produces wines of brilliant richness and depth with the characteristic notes of Provençal herb and personality. This is really great quality at a really great price.
(Stuart Rae, BBR Fine Wine)

More elegant than previously, this cuvée, which is made up of 80% old-vine Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, still boasts astonishing concentration and very powerful tannins, so fear not those who love robust Gigondas with their game dishes. I think the tannin management is better than ever this year and beyond all the power and glory there is a purity and focus which is extremely impressive!
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012)

Christine and Eric Saurel own 60 hectares mostly on the Plateau des Garrigues which overlooks the villages of Vacqueyras and Sarrains, all of which they have farmed on biodynamic principles for an incredible 16 years. Blue and monmorate ‘petrus’ clay soils contribute to the astonishing flavours coaxed from these old vines. Christine describes her goals in terms of ‘luminosité’, an intangible and almost ethereal term yet one which seems strangely appropriate and which can only be properly explained by tasting the wines themselves, which are a far cry from traditional styles from these villages.

As the names suggest, Les Racines is sourced from
lower vineyards than Les Terrasses (Daniel’s other
Gigondas) but from older vines, over 70 years of age in
the case of the Grenache which makes up 90 percent
of this cuvée, the balance made up of Mourvèdre. A
surprisingly feminine floral aromatic is followed by
a fine and elegant palate with notes of myrtle and
liquorice, mocha, and forest floor all evidenced. The
synergy between house style and vintage personality
is conspicuously successful in 2016. Drink 2020-2024.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer

From a small but unique plot, shared by 40-yearold
Mourvèdre and 80-year-old Grenache, the
Confidential 2010 is an outstanding effort, its weight
of dense black fruit beautifully complemented by
what Christine describes as salinity – a reference
to the pure minerality which underpins the wine’s
structure. Wonderfully balanced and almost
feminine, despite its power – a word seldom used in
this particular appellation. Drink 2021-2025.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer