Gigondas Red Rhone Blend

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.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of three days. Best on Day 3. The 2021 pours, a deep ruby color with medium+ viscosity and moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous notes of black and red bramble fruit, red and purple flowers, black pepper, garrigue, dried herbs, rocky earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose where the pepper plays an even greater role. The finishes long and the texture is silky smooth. The high alcohol is almost imperceptible. On Day 1, this was good but not particularly interesting (though the quality was clearly there). After significant air, this blossomed into a really compelling Gigondas; full of character! Best after 2026 and through 2036+.

I love the power, the spice, the rich mouthfeel. But damn, 15.5%. It’s a hot mess. One that I rather like but a bit too much. 2021. Could be a bit more restrained and it’d score higher. Will I keep buying this? Yep.

LBT was a dead and oxidized mess, this was complete opposite. In the zone, deeply fruit with soaked plum and black cherry, tannins have melted away, seamless mouthfeel, spice and garrigue for days.

Was much better the third night in.

Big boy.. 15.5 abv. Pretty nose of incense, wild fruit, spice and minerals. Aromatically pretty, but the alcohol makes it a bit clumsy like a puppy with big paws.

Meat, honey, tamari, licorice and fresh black fruits. Sweet and soulful. And microbial on day 2.

We have enjoyed a lot of Gigondas lately but this may be a favorite.

Blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 14% Syrah and 1% Cinsault, aged in both new and used oak, Deep Ruby with purple edges and aromas of dark berry fruits and herb pepper spice. On the palate cherry and blackberry with some spice on fine tannins. Full-bodied with nice mouthfeel on a long finish ending with herby forest floor character. Tasted twice, nice!

A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 14% Syrah and 1% Cinsault, aged in both new and used oak, Deep Ruby with purple edges and aromas of dark berry fruits and herb pepper spice. On the palate cherry and blackberry with some spice on fine tannins. Full-bodied with nice mouthfeel on a long finish ending with herby forest floor character.