Another great Gigondas from Laurent Brusset: extremely concentrated with well-integrated oak and ripe tannins. Rich, ripe fruit in abundance. The new oak is played down compared with some earlier vintages or perhaps it’s the intensity of the fruit. The tannins are almost hidden by the fruit.

2012 to 2020

55% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah

Hand-picked, severe selection, crushing, destalking, cold pre-fermentation and separate fermentation for each variety for 21 days with pigeage and temperature control. Aged in 100% oak casks, around 40% new.

13.5%

"Made from 50-year-old Grenache and Syrah but it undergoes a longer maceration and cuvaison [than "Le Grand Montmirail"]. Half is aged in tank and half in small barrels. It reveals less new oak than its sibling along with abundant quantities of blackberries, black raspberries, liquorice, smoked herbs and a hint of toast. While this full-bodied, layered, rich Gigondas is very modern in style, it retains its Provencal character." 91-94/100 (RP)