Will Stanley

9.4

First bottle from a case of the 2020 Gigondas village from Ch. de Saint Cosme. It could even be my first time trying Gigondas from Louis Barruol, 14th-gen winemaker here, though I do recall a memorable St Joseph from my birth year that I enjoyed around ten years ago.

This wine is strawberry pink in colour, with good clarity. The nose is shy on the first night, better second; very pretty, with fairly light aromas of blackberry, candied cherry, liquorice, wild herbs, and a hint of grilled meat.

The palate is beautifully polished, striking effortless balance between structure and clarity, sweet fruit and acidity; the tannins are mild and it has wonderful grace through the finish, like a ballroom dancer gliding across the floor. Overall this is a really pure, fresh and elegant expression of Gigondas and has none of the rusticity for which this old appellation is oft known. In fact, it bears greater similarity to old-vine Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is no bad thing. Also zero trace of heat despite the 15% abv. Very good stuff from Louis Barruol. This will age with Burgundian grace. Can’t wait to try it again – make sure to decant.
— 17 days ago

Matt

9.7

Defined, finessed, graceful, offers superb richness and layers while well contrasted by its fresh acidity and silken tannin. This has charm and grace without sacrificing strength. You can sense the sand and clay terroirs at work. The perfume and elegant tannin melding with a muscular core of warming red fruits and amplitude on the palate. Marcoux VV continues to be my favorite CNDP for this reason, year in and year out. The 2012 is quite indicative of time and place. Red fruit coulis, the slightest edge soaked fig and raisin, loads of thick Provençal garrigue, licorice whip, roasted coffee, dried meat, dusty leather, woodsmoke, hot stones, lavender pastille, white pepper. Can’t get over the lift and freshness this has still. — 5 years ago

Evan Bienstock

9.3

Very approachable, soft and elegant. Grace over power. Pretty. — 6 years ago

j a

8.9

power and grace and a lot of purple fruit to put the NYE fireworks in your mouth as well as in the sky. — a month ago

Steve Medbery

9.7

Love this. Translucent ruby color. Red berry, cinnamon, rose petal. Medium light body. Pure. As a Southern Rhône lover I’ve got to say—wow California, wiw A Tribute to Grace! — a year ago

Lee Pitofsky

9.4

From one of the elites in CDP, silky and nicely layered with pomegranate, red raspberry, ground pepper, saddle leather and exotic spices. Finishes very long showing grace and great concentration. — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Inspired by the golden hills that frame the landscape of San Bernabe Vineyard at the southern edge of the Santa Lucia Mountain range. Deep color with berry fruit aromas and notes of toasty honey scents. On the palate blueberry and cherry flavors with vanilla, cacao and toasty notes. Smooth tannins balanced well with acidity, lingering ending with espresso and spice character. Nice value. — 6 years ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of two days. It was very good on Day 2 but I think it was more interesting on Day 1 after about 90min of air. The 2015 Donjon pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, developing with notes of dark brambles fruits, some bruised strawberry, some garrigue, some stony minerals and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium(+?) tannins and medium acidity. Confirming the notes from the nose with a touch of cracked black pepper there too. The finish is medium. To my palate, this has entered that awkward, quiet stage that some CdP’s enter between year 5-10. It’s trying to show some secondary character but it’s just not willing to use its voice. A lot of the ingredients are there though. Drink now with some patience and grace otherwise I wouldn’t try again until after 2025. FWIW, it was a lovely pairing with cassoulet. — a year ago

Josh Morgenthau

9.5

Lovely lithe expression of syrah with viognier adding voluptuous notes. Floral Cote Rotie-esque perfumes with a delicate pepperiness. So transparent and elegant. By night two this is showing purple and pink flowers, candied violets, iron, fresh black raspberry, brambly notes, a touch of tropical fruit. Definite structure, but it’s all grace and poise, like the muscle of a ballet dancer. Perfectly judged hint of sweetness on the finish. — 4 years ago

Matt

9.2

Lovely, soil driven with plenty of grace and charm. A more fine and focused example from Janasse, who’s wines I usually find on the more contemporary side of things. Red fruited with lovely notes of warm stones, animal, garrigue and flowers. Approachable and full of joy like many ‘14s, very soft tannin — 6 years ago