Vintages & awards, the press review
Journalists and wine tasters are unanimous: our wines are well balanced, long on the palate and appreciated for their freshness, their complexity and their notes of spices and fruits - especially black or candied fruits.
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Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2022
By John Livingstone
attractive yellow; the nose has a mineral, lime inflexion that works well, a touch of primrose flowers. The palate is spiny on attack, a flavour of mandarin with pineapple, white peach touches, extends with a good level of depth, the finish showing correct grip. It has the weight for fish of character, can go with haddock, cod, sea bass, for example
***(*)
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2021
By John Livingstone
quite a full red robe; the bouquet has a grilled nature, a blood tone of mineral, sweet herbs with red cherries, cooked redcurrants. The palate has a kirsch flavour, digs in with crisp, full tannins that require seasoning, another 18 months. It finishes on a rocky charge, the fruit rather pure, has intricacy that appeals, the length sure.
****
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2022
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The pale-ruby-colored 2022 Gigondas Le Pas de l’Aigle is medium to full-bodied, savory and complex. Blending 90% Grenache with 10% Syrah, it will mature for two years foudres, with an additional year in bottle ahead of commercial release. This will be necessary, as the firm tannic structure requires times to mellow. Nonetheless, the aromas and flavors already show quite well, including a mingling spice box, strawberry, raspberry, black cherry graphite and a menthol splash.
92-94
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The 2021 Gigondas Le Pas de l’Aigle doesn’t reach the same heights as the 2022. Nonetheless, it is a fabulous result in this challenging 2021 vintage. Clocking in at 15% alcohol, it bursts with fragrant licorice, raspberry jam and black jerry aromatics peppery and minty layers add more complexity. Medium to full bodied and juicy, the 2021 Le Pas de l’Aigle delivers solid flavor concentration and a resonating finish.
90/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2022
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The 2022 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane will spend 18 months in a combination of french oak barriques (15% new) and old oak foudres. Grippy tannins provide good structure yet demand at least two more years in bottle. Ripe forest strawberry, black cherry, dried herbs and elements of mint nestle underneath firm tannins. Provided everything comes togheter as it should, this will be a fine Gigondas.
91-93
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The 2021 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is classy and structured. A blend of 65% grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah, it opens with moderately intense aromas of clove, red fruit, dried herbs and menthol. Medium to full-bodied and concluding with a sapid finish. It possesses firm tannins that shoud loosen up nicely after one more year in bottle.
89/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2022
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The 2022 Gigondas Romane Machotte mixes 80% Grenache with 20% Syrah. Red fruit aromatics and nuances of pencil shavings rise up from the glass. Minly and spicy undertones add more complexity. Classic and elegant, this uplifting 2022 wraps it up with spot-on balance and a juicy core of red fruit.
90-92
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Nicolas Greinacher – 01/2024
The 2021 Gigondas Romane was cropped at 25 hL/Ha. It goes througt twenty-one days of fermentation and maceration in concrete, leading to one year of foudre and barrique aging. The result is a slightly reductive red that gradually releases red fruit aromas, licorice traces and subtle dried herbs. Medium-bodied and well balanced, enjoy this refreshing offering over the next couple of years.
88/100
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
Waxy red fruits on the nose, attractive and inviting. There is a nice, gentle peppery spice on the palate and a layered finish. Attractive and appealing, it just needs to soften. A nice, medium-bodied effort.
16/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
The nose is packed full of soft and generous red fruits. A core of ripe fruits is underlaid by good freshness, fine and detailed yet firm tannins. The oak is well integrated and the palate is structured, layered and with a rich, long finish. (AC)
16/20
Jancis Robinson
2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
A subtle floral note, with a dusty and earthy character on the nose. The palate is driven by a core of plump red fruits, firm and vertical tannins and a nice freshness beneath. A subtle mineral-earthy note alongside a cooling, fresh finish.
16.5/20
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
Cocoa nib, sweet spice and red-fruit aromas. Dense and ripe, with firm tannins that dominate the mid palate at the moment. There is plenty of structure here and it needs a little time to soften the edges of the robust tannins. Plenty of fruit here, too, to soak up those tannins ? just a little closed for now.
16/20
Jancis Robinson
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
Mealy and slightly closed nose. An attractive, subtle, smoky note of reduction underneath a ripe, textured core. Zesty acidity on the ripe, layered finish.
16/20
Jancis Robinson
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2022
By Alistair Cooper 11/23
Tasted blind. Both red and dark fruits on the nose. Bags of fresh acidity here and a very firm tannin structure as well ? the tannins need to settle. Zesty freshness comes through on the racy finish.
15.5/20
Decanter
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2022
By Matt Walls – 11/2023
There’s a subtle smoky note on the nose, it lifts the red apple and pear fruit, which has real persistence and a long finish. Powerful, expressive, complex and cleverly made. Floral freshness on the finish and moderate alcohol. Likely to offer good value.
90/100
Decanter
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2022
By Matt Walls – 11/2023
Surprisingly punchy for a 2022, this has more weight and power than many Gigondas this year. The oak isn’t excessive, and serves to frame and focus the fruit. Good length and freshness. Smooth and approachable, well balanced, with the structure to last.
91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
Based on 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah brought up in foudre and used oak, the 2021 Gigondas Romane Machotte has a forward, charming, Provençal style as well as lots of red and black fruits, peppery herb, and saddle leather-like aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied, balanced, and thoroughly enjoyable. Drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years.
88/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
The flagship release from this terrific estate, the 2021 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle is almost all Grenache (there is 10% Syrah) that sees a longer élevage in foudre. This beauty has a gorgeous nose of ripe black raspberries, blackberries, sandalwood, and Provençal garrigue. While it plays in the more medium-bodied, fresher style of the vintage, it has terrific mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. The 2021 vintage in Gigondas doesn’t get much better, and this has tons of appeal today yet will evolve nicely for a solid decade.
93/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
The 2021 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is always solid. Based on 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah, it has attractive red and black fruits, some spicy wood, leather, and Provençal garrigue aromatics, medium body, sweet tannins, and a good finish. It’s a pleasure-bent, textured, outstanding 2021 Gigondas to drink over the coming 5-7 years.
90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2022
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
I always enjoy this cuvée, and the 2022 Vacqueyras La Grangelière is a terrific value that readers will love as a house red. Perfumed red and black fruits, sappy flowers, and pretty garrigue and herbal, peppery notes all flow to a medium-bodied, fruit-loaded, charming 2022 that’s perfect for drinking over the coming 3-5 years or so.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2022
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
A medium-bodied, charming, elegant Gigondas based on 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2022 Gigondas Romane Machotte has ample red fruit, some peppery, Provençal garrigue-like aromatics, ripe tannins, and a good finish. It’s well-made and incredibly satisfying. Drink bottles on release and over the following 7-8 years.
88-90
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2022
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
I’d put the 2022 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Based on 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that will spend two years in foudre, it has remarkable purity in its ripe redcurrant and strawberry-driven fruit profile as well as complex notes of Provençal spices, crushed stone, and dried flowers. It’s medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, has fine tannins, and a great finish.
93-95
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2022
By Jeb Dunnuck – 11/2023
A fruit-loaded, up-front, impressively concentrated and textured Gigondas, the 2022 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane (65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah) is medium to full-bodied, has soft, integrated tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. I don’t think it’s going to be the longest lived Gigondas, but it should shine right out of the gate.
91-93
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 04/23
Elegant and high-toned, with expressive blackberry, blueberry and smoked plum flavors laced with violet and white pepper. Delivers dusty earth, sweet tobacco and charred mesquite, which add savory dimension to the pretty profile. The persistent finish is lined with snappy acidity and fine-grained tannins. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. 7,800 cases made, 1,400 cases imported.
91/100
Wine Spectator
Chateauneuf du Pape La Paillousse 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 04/23
A darker, crunchier version, with brambly berry and cassis notes that are ripe and showy, yet densely packed. Boasting tobacco, black pepper, pastis, charred mesquite and vanilla accents, this is grounded by smoldering iron and slightly chewy tannins. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030.
91/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By Kristen Bieler – 04/23
A wine with a lot of soul and character, this leans slightly modern, with charred apple wood and sweet cedar nicely polishing a core of fig puree and black cherry. The long, harmonious finish glides through, revealing rooibos tea and smoked garrigue details, while a tug of tannins provide a ballast. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2035. 1,700 cases made, 400 cases imported.
93/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
A very impressive Gigondas for the challenging vintage that?s got the deep ripeness, wild herb and meaty character we expect from the best wines of this appellation. The fresh plum fruit and summer flower aromas are just beginning to open up. The elegant tannins make this flow gracefully over the palate. Long, precise finish. Drink or hold.
93/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
Complex spicy nose with stacks of plum and black berry fruit, plus serious meaty depth. Concentrated and very well structured this is on the cusp of greatness, despite the challenging vintage. Lots of dusty hot earth character at the long expressive finish. Drink or hold.
94/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
Mature and rich but very dry and subtle, this is slightly old-fashioned in a delightful way. Lots of dried orange peel, dried cherry and smoke character, and behind all that the fine tannins build as the wine moves inexorably across the palate like a huge ship plowing through the ocean waves. From old grenache and syrah vines in one of the highest altitude vineyards in this appellation. Drink or hold.
95/100
James Suckling
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2022
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
Notes of apples, cooked lemons, honeysuckle and some bay leaves. Medium body with a fruity character. Supple and well balanced with a seductive touch. Flavorful and aromatic with a juicy finish. Drink or hold.
92/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
Aromas of blackberries, dark cherries, dried herbs such as thyme and rosemary, dark chocolate and baking spices. Full body with very fine tannins. Great balance with a velvety texture loaded with cherries and berries, and a harmonious, integrated structure. Textured, long and focused finish. Best after 2027.
94/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Stuart Pigott – 05/23
A perfumed nose of blackberries, currants, leather, dried thyme, roasted meat and spice box. Full body with fine, firm tannins. Great energy with structure and a fine texture. Vibrant at the center with bright acidity and freshness towards the focused finish. Grenache and syrah. Best after 2029.
93/100
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 04/23
Elegant, with a mix of rose petal, cherry and wild strawberry backed by juicy acidity, black pepper and shaved graphite. Shows nice texture and integration, with fine-grained tannins and a thread of smoke. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2027. 2,200 cases made, 350 cases imported.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 04/23
A generous and very polished red, with lush layers of red cherry compote, boysenberry, licorice and violets. Polished and voluptuous on the creamy palate, with tarragon notes. Well-built with fine-grained tannins and graphite driving the long, svelte, cedar-kissed finish. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2026 through 2032.
93/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
As with most 2018s today, the 2018 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle is up-front, charming, and drinking brilliantly. Kirsch, blackberries, toasted spices, and peppery garrigue all give way to a medium-bodied, forward, soft, and utterly delicious Gigondas to enjoy over the coming decade.
92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
The 2021 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah. It has a touch more density as well as ripe black fruits, peppery garrigue, and some meaty, leathery nuances. This ruby/purple-hued 2021 is medium to full-bodied, has rock-solid mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and just a round, charming, delicious style that makes the most of the vintage.
89-91+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
What should be a forward, charming 2021, the 2021 Gigondas Romane Machotte (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) has up-front cherry, garrigue, and peppery herb notes in a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, enjoyable package. It’s going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
88-90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was destemmed and aged in a mix of barrels and foudre, the 2021 Vacqueyras La Grangelière has a clean, fresh, lively, medium-bodied style as well as traditional notes of red berries, rose petals, peppery garrigue, and spice. It shows the fresher style of the vintage but is balanced, has good ripeness, and solid length on the finish. Enjoy bottles over the coming 7-8 years.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
The flagship from this terrific estate is the 2021 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle, which is mostly Grenache that sees a longer élevage in oak. It shows the more mid-weight style of the vintage yet has beautiful black raspberry and ripe berry fruits, medium body, good mid-palate depth, and ripe, balancing tannins. It’s beautifully done, and while it will offer pleasure in its youth, this has enough structure to evolve gracefully in the cellar.
92-94+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
Tasted out of the bottle, the 2019 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle showed beautifully with its kirsch liqueur, blackberry, herbes de Provence, and toasted spice-driven aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and seamless on the palate, it’s another vintage of this cuvée that will have a lengthy, broad drink window. It should keep nicely through 2035.
94+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
The 2020 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle (90% Grenache and 10% Syrah) is another gem of a wine in the making. Coming from higher elevation parcels and brought up in oak, it has an incredibly Provençal bouquet of ripe cherries, garrigue, candied flowers, and loamy earth. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows the more elegant side of the vintage, has ripe tannins, and is clearly an outstanding (if not quite a bit more) wine that readers will love.
92-94+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
As to the 2020s, this is a strong vintage for Pierre Amadieu, and all of their wines showed well. The 2020 Gigondas Romane Machotte is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was brought up all in older barrels and cask. This spicy, red and black-fruited, garrigue-scented red is medium to full-bodied, has good ripeness, and velvety tannins. Drink bottles over the coming decade.
91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
The 2020 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is darker and more classic, with peppery garrigue, underbrush, and both red and black cherry-like fruits. It brings good sweetness on the palate yet stays nicely focused, tight, and is going to benefit from 2-4 years in the cellar. It should keep through 2032.
90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 03/2023
A slightly modern style Vacqueyras, the 2020 Vacqueyras La Grangelière is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was brought up in a mix of barrels and foudre. Creamy red and black fruits, spice, and classy oak all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and outstanding length.
90/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Saturated ruby. Mineral- and spice-accented black and blue fruit preserve scents show sharp clarity and are complemented by suggestions of vanilla and succulent flowers. Seamless and deep in the mouth, the sweet blueberry, cherry liqueur, spicecake and candied lavender flavors are supported by a core of juicy acidity. It finished impressively long and spicy, with harmonious, slow-building tannins.
93-95/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Brilliant ruby. The expressive nose initially offers fresh red fruits and potpourri notes, which are complicated by exotic spice and incense hints. Deep but energetic, the sappy, appealingly sweet raspberry and cherry flavors tighten up through the back half. Silky tannins shape a strikingly long, pliant finish that leaves behind suave spicecake and lavender pastille notes.
92-94/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Opaque magenta. The fragrant note displays pungent, spice-accented red and blue fruits, potpourri, succulent herbs and baking spices. Offers densely packed yet vibrant raspberry and blueberry flavors that show fine definition and spicy lift. Supple tannins build slowly on the finish, which hangs on with strong tenacity and repeating blue fruit note.
91-93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Deep, vivid ruby. A highly perfumed and finely detailed bouquet evokes fresh red berries, cherry preserves, exotic spices, candied flowers and a smoky mineral flourish. Smooth and seamless on the palate, the intense raspberry, cherry-cola, spicecake and candied lavender flavors express a compelling blend of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving sappy red fruit, spice and floral notes behind.
95/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Deep, brilliant ruby. Intensely fragrant suggestions of ripe red berries, kirsch, exotic spices and candied flowers are accompanied by a vibrant mineral nuance that builds steadily with air. Smooth and seamless in texture, the intense raspberry, cherry-cola, spicecake and lavender flavors convey a deft blend of power and delicacy. Closes smooth, gently tannic and impressively long, leaving sappy red fruit and mineral notes behind.
94-96/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Vivid ruby. Sharply focused cherry, blueberry, licorice and floral scents pick up hints of smoky minerals and succulent herbs with aeration. Juicy and energetic on the palate, the bitter cherry, candied licorice, expresso and lavender flavors firm up steadily through the back half. Youthfully gripping tannins sneak in late on a very long spicy finish that echoes the licorice and cherry notes.
93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Dark violet color. Building mineral and exotic spice nuances complement the expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri, smoked meat and licorice. Juicy, penetrating black raspberry, bitter cherry and candied lavender flavors become sweeter with aeration and show a surprisingly light touch for their power. Velvety tannins provide a subtle grip to an impressively long, spice-tinged finish that strongly echoes the red fruit and floral notes.
94/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Dark magenta. Expansive aromas of ripe red and blue fruits, potpourri and licorice are accompanied by smoky mineral and exotic spice nuances. Offers juicy, penetrating raspberry, biter cherry and floral pastille flavors that become sweeter with aeration. Plush, even tannins add a subtle grip to an impressively long spice-tinged finish that emphatically echoes the blue and floral notes.
94/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Deep ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, candied flowers and exotic spices. Chewy, broad and appealingly sweet, offering lush black raspberry, cherry compote and spicecake flavors with a subtle floral pastille flourish. It gains depth and spiciness with air and finishes impressively long with a lingering sweetness and youthful tannic grip.
92/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Saturated garnet. The sharply defined nose displays highly perfumed, mineral-accented red and blue fruit, floral, allspice and candied licorice qualities. Powerful bitter cherry, black raspberry, botanical herb and exotic spice flavors tighten up steadily through the back half. Polished tannins frame the wonderfully persistent and penetrating finish, which strongly echoes the cherry and floral notes.
94/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Shimmering ruby-red. A smoke- and spice-accented bouquet displays cherry-cola, black raspberry and pungent floral scents. Expressive sweet red and dark berry and spicecake flavors are complemented by hints of lavender and smoky minerals. Shows fine definition and spicy cut on a long, gently tannic finish that echoes the floral note.
93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Josh Raynolds 01/23
Dark ruby-red. Lively red and blue fruits, candied lavender, licorice and white pepper aromas are complemented by suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet and fleshy in texture, the juicy raspberry, bitter cherry, star anise and cola flavors deepen through the mid-palate. It clings nicely on the gently tannic finish, which leaves succulent floral and herb notes behind.
92/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
A very impressive Gigondas for the challenging vintage that?s got the deep ripeness, wild herb and meaty character we expect from the best wines of this appellation. The fresh plum fruit and summer flower aromas are just beginning to open up. The elegant tannins make this flow gracefully over the palate. Long, precise finish. Drink or hold.
93/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
Complex spicy nose with stacks of plum and black berry fruit, plus serious meaty depth. Concentrated and very well structured this is on the cusp of greatness, despite the challenging vintage. Lots of dusty hot earth character at the long expressive finish. Drink or hold.
94/100
James Suckling
Chateauneuf du Pape La Paillousse 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
Generous and fleshy without any of the opulence that this appellation tends towards, this has a very attractive interplay of spice, pomegranate fruit and summer flower aromas. The solid base of rather fine tannins keep this straight and warmly dry at the long finish. Drink or hold.
91/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
Mature and rich but very dry and subtle, this is slightly old-fashioned in a delightful way. Lots of dried orange peel, dried cherry and smoke character, and behind all that the fine tannins build as the wine moves inexorably across the palate like a huge ship plowing through the ocean waves. From old grenache and syrah vines in one of the highest altitude vineyards in this appellation. Drink or hold.
95/100
James Suckling
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
This excellent red Rhone provides a good argument in favor of taking the rather new appellation of Cairanne seriously. In spite of the cooler vintage this has very good ripeness married to a floral delicacy with elegant tannins that, together with the stony acidity, give this a lot of good energy. Should age well. Drink or hold.
92/100
James Suckling
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
This full-bodied and fleshy Southern Rhone red has pronounced aromas of blood orange alongside the big blueberry and blackberry character, making it surprisingly lively and light on its feet. Not so long at the finish, but very drinkable. Drink now.
90/100
James Suckling
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
Very expressive nose of black cherries and ripe raspberries with a touch of something animal. This is concentrated and structured on the widescreen palate. So much drive and depth at the bold, but moderately dry finish. A cuvee of grenache and syrah matured in large oak foudres. Drink or hold.
92/100
James Suckling
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2021
By Stuart Pigott – 12/22
A remarkably fragrant and elegant wine for this appellation with plenty of violet aromas alongside a wide spectrum of red berry aromas. So fresh and lively at the long, precise finish, it?s really hard to believe that this has 14% alcohol! Drink now.
91/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 12/22
A tasty red, with floral and cassis notes up front underscored by graphite shavings, toasted mesquite, fresh pepper and a lick of vanilla.
88/100
Wine Spectator
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 12/22
A fresh, energetic wine, with violet and wild blackberry flavors up front, this courses with savory acidity and is backed by charred herbs and mesquite.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 12/22
Shows cassis, plum, raspberry and violet notes that are expressive on the nose, turning savory and somewhat austere on the palate. Gains firmness from charred alder, crushed iron and grippy tannins.
88
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2020
By Kristen Bieler – 12/22
Dark and compact, with earth and smoked meat notes infusing a base of plum sauce and savory spices. The solid finish is framed by grippy tannins and pronounced iron minerality.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Kristen Bieler – 12/22
A sunny, bright white, with gardenia blossom, honeyed nectarine and juicy lemon notes that stay clean and pure on the palate, thanks to racy acidity and a salty mineral edge.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By Bruce Sanderson – 12/22
An inviting, pretty wine, with high-toned violet and ripe raspberry notes that are both fresh and ripe on the palate. Delivers dusty mineral, singed mesquite and invigorating white pepper accents that add good savory dimension throughout the elegant finish.
90/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By James Molesworth – 10/22
This red boasts bitter cherry, crushed raspberry and red tea flavors that are bold, open and inviting. Tightly coiled and wound on the palate by a firming cage of tannins, this gains savory depth from black pepper and charred mesquite. Though delicious now, this is rendered one for the cellar due to subtly muscular tannins.
92/100
Jancis Robinson
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2021
By Alistair Cooper 11/22
Fresh red fruits on the nose with an earthy note beneath. Tight and chewy tannins, tinned strawberry and moderate acidity. Not complex in style, refreshing dans juicy for relatively young drinking.
15/20
Jancis Robinson
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2021
By Alistair Cooper 09/22
Freshly cut pears, white pepper and a real sense of fres some nutty notes come through on the palate -attractive
15.5/20
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By John Livingstone 10/2022
full red robe; the bouquet takes a savoury, beef stock route, is close-knit, the fruit dark. The palate is well composed of black berry content with linger in the rather fresh tannins, gathers notes of herbes de Provence, a still grainy feel to the tannins. It?s well placed to evolve naturally, carried by its clarity and sensible depth of content. The finish is lucid, a spot of tingle there.
****
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By John Livingstone 10/2022
Dark red; the bouquet has a light top note of moss, seashore, with a floral hint, is well filled, on dark fruit. The palate links well to the nose, carries a bountiful level of content which is agreeably accessible from this early stage. The length is assured, and this gives a promising Gigondas with authority and good conviction There are southern notes, black olives, on the well filled aftertaste.
****
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By John Livingstone 10/2022
Full red colour; the nose has a smoky intensity, cordite with red fruits, underpinned by a note of sweetness. It?s still on its raising, has potential. The palate bears accomplished content, has style, with discreet oaking that helps to carry it in length. There is quality fruit on board here, and astute oaking as well. It?s a well made, good and clear Gigondas.
****(*)
Decanter
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Matt Walls 08/2022
Bright forest berry fruits. Clean and pure, but peculiarly low acidity for the vintage. Soft, melded tannins. Alcohol is fairly high. Gently floral, with decent length.
92/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2021
By Alistair Cooper 11/22
Quite mute on the nose, dark fruits, fig and cocoa. Dense palate with firm and ripe tannins, opulent fruit ? rich, savoury and attractive.
15/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Alistair Cooper 11/22
Dark fruits on the nose, liquorice and spice. Lots of pepper and spice and firm taut tannins ? juicy and lots of dark fruits shine through. Intense and ripe but appealing.
15.5/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2021
By Alistair Cooper 11/22
Quite mute on the nose, dark fruits, fig and cocoa. Dense palate with firm and ripe tannins, opulent fruit ? rich, savoury and attractive.
15.5/20
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2021
By Alistair Cooper 11/22
Dark fig on the nose with juicy, vibrant, blue-fruit notes. Ripe mouthfeel with red fruits, a slight herbal twang and moderate, slightly drying tannins that will resolve.
15.5/20
Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Taking on a little hazelnut from the oak, it works well with the dried orange peel notes. Full-bodied, rich and silky from the barrel ageing. Lovely sense of freshness, with a subtle bitter nip on the finish. Very classic expression of oak-aged, hot-climate Clairette. Harmonious and drinking well now. 50-year-old vines grown at 400m near Gigondas.
92/100
Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2011
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Rich gold colour at 11 years of age. Full-bodied, powerful now, with dried pear, quince, almond and meadow flowers. A touch of caramel on the finish. Plenty of interest still. 50-year-old vines grown at 400m near Gigondas.
91/100
Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Now taking on a little gold to the rich straw colour, with hazelnut and macadamia notes coming to the fore. Intense, saline and powerful expression of Clairette. A little marzipan and dried pear on the finish. 50-year-old vines grown at 400m near Gigondas.
90/100
Decanter
Gigondas Romane Machotte 1972
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Still ruby coloured, with leather, earth and blood orange scents. Amazingly full-bodied still for such an old wine, with plentiful glycerol and textural richness despite the dryness. Becoming Burgundian, but time to drink up. It was a dreadfully wet year in Bordeaux, but not so bad in the Rhône, a year with high acidity that has helped some of the wines to age surprisingly well.
93/100
Decanter
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2013
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Relatively pale in the glass. Fresh and floral, with little sparks of cinnamon and nutmeg, some dried herbs too. More of this comes through on the palate, which has a lovely sense of freshness and liveliness, with pinpoint acidity and crisp layers of tannin. Great freshness and precision, excellent balance, and a long finish. A really lovely Gigondas that is ready now and will keep.
94/100
Decanter
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2013
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Rather peculiar sweet and sour effect on the nose – not really expressing much else. Full-bodied, dense, tannic and powerful. A strong beam of quite hard acidity runs through it. Rather aggressive for now – I would wait.
89/100
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2014
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Slightly bloody note, with plentiful garrigue herbs. Full-bodied, concentrated, with good acidity and great rolling tannins. Long, fresh and tense, this has a very long finish and layers of flavour. Powerful for a 2014.
93/100
Decanter
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2014
By Matt Walls 06/2022
Distinctly inexpressive aromatically, very closed. Faint raspberry, with some polished wood. Silky and straight with good smooth texture and some appealing spiciness on the nose, but this isn’t offering much pleasure. This feels quite locked up, I would wait in the hope that this softens and opens out.
87/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By James Molesworth – 10/22
An expressive red, with warm fig and raspberry pâte de fruit laced with expressive violet perfume. The impressive finish is driven by roasted garrigue and mineral energy. This is still tightly coiled, however, and will need time for new layers to emerge. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030.
93/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 01/22
Opulent and heady, this full-bodied red highlights the power and richness of Grenache with just 10% of Syrah blended for freshness and angularity. Packed with concentrated blackberry and cherry flavors and accented by hints of mesquite, tar and sweet spice, it’s a mouth-coating wine with fine-grained, integrated tannins that are approachable now. At peak through 2030.
93/100
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By John Livingstone-Learmonth ? 11/2021
handsome dark red robe; the bouquet is wide, rich and appealing, carries oak, its depth sure, good definition in its cassis, smoky fruit. The palate has a cool tone through it, spine provided by freshness and oak together, pedigree fruit on either side. It clusters together on a mineral, reserved finish, has good potential, plenty in the locker, is long. Its smoothness of texture appeals, and its length is suave, prolonged, oak once more on the aftertaste.
* * * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By John Livingstone-Learmonth ? 11/2021
full red robe; the nose carries grilling, an air of pork scratchings, herbal touches, cold tea leaves, is reserved for now. The palate carries discreet spicing, is upright in shape, influenced by its oak, the red cherry fruit inside clear enough. It has both feet in the cellar, will require time to soft and appeal. The fruit can move forward, has enough depth and flow to achieve that. It?s a modern, svelte sort of Gigondas, a little arm?s length in feel.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By John Livingstone-Learmonth ? 11/2021
attractive full red colour; the nose is profound, based on red fruits, with oaking attached. It can open and stay the course well over time. The palate attacks on a firm wave of red fruited content, has slightly muscular tannins involved, lengthens with a sure hand into a broad finish, blood-iron notes there, notes of cut. It has good shape, will evolve well, carries freshness.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2020
By John Livingstone-Learmonth ? 11/2021
dark red; the bouquet works well, offers stewed plum fruits from the Grenache, has a neat togetherness, comes with a hint of cocoa. The palate serves cooked plum fruits, a stone fruit emphasis, notes of garrigue late on, shows Cairanne in a true light. The finish develops thrust, is well rounded. It?s a shapely wine that gives relaxed pleasure, won?t be that long lived given the maturity of the fruit.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2020
By John Livingstone-Learmonth ? 11/2021
dark red; the bouquet is coming along, has an emerging air of blackberry, elderberry, a leafy, mineral tone. The palate is tightly drawn together, holds a firm level of content, the tannins compact, resolute. It?s in a primary state, close-knit, with a knuckle of gras that needs time to spread and soften. Its red fruit is peeking out, and can advance further. Its shape is good for a second stage.
* * * *
Decanter
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2021
By Matt Walls 08/2022
Dried citrus peels on the palate, alongside the flesh and bitter pith of pink grapefruit. Good intensity and bite, but the bitterness might be too much for some. 50-year-old vines grown at 400m near Gigondas.
90/100
Decanter
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2021
By Elizabeth Gabay 07/22
A combination of maceration and direct press are used to achieve a fresh wine with enough fruit to carry the oak, used for both fermentation and ageing, to create a serious wine. Old vines grown at altitude add further intensity and freshness. Full-bodied wild cherry fruit (neighbouring Ventoux is famed for its cherry orchards), a saline edge, long mouthwatering acidity: the whole is beautifully balanced. The toasty oak notes are evident, adding an umami twist to the saline finish. The intensity of weight and structure make this rosé a fitting companion to the red wines from this region.
94/100
James Suckling
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By James Suckling 01/22
An unusually well-structured white Cotes-du-Rhone with a kiss of smoky oak and lively acidity. Appealing aromas of lemon blossom and candied orange. Good length, the finish supported by the discreet oak tannins. A varietal clairette, vinified in barrique casks. Drink now.
91/100
James Suckling
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2019
By James Suckling 01/22
In the best sense, a traditional Cotes-du-Rhone! Lots of black berries, including the rare black raspberry, but also dried spices, such as black pepper, together with lovely, dried-lemon freshness that really lifts the long, very clean finish that has some positive minerality! Drink or hold.
92/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By James Suckling 01/22
This impressive Gigondas is beginning to mature beautifully. Haunting nose of spice, rosemary and wild thyme. At once expansive, highly structured and very refined on the palate, this has everything we look for in this appellation. Gives so much at the long, velvety finish, yet still has some more in reserve. A blend of grenache and syrah from 60-year-old vines, growing at 400 meters altitude. Drink or hold.
96/100
James Suckling
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2019
By James Suckling 01/22
Very dense nose of licorice, tar and elderberry, but although this is a powerful and well-structured Southern Rhone red, it has wonderful freshness and dryness on the full-bodied palate. The firm structure becomes even more obvious at the long, focused and harmoniously dry finish. A classic GSM (grenache, syrah and mourvedre) Rhone blend. Drink or hold.
93/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By James Suckling 01/22
At once rich and fleshy, yet fresh and wonderfully dry, this is an excellent Gigondas that already gives so much pleasure, but has many years ahead of it. I love the way the red-fruit, terra-cotta and Mediterranean-herb aromas expand in the glass. Super interplay of fruit, minerality and fine tannins at the long finish. From 50-year-old vines, growing at 400 meters altitude. Drinkable now, but best from 2023.
94/100
James Suckling
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By James Suckling 01/22
Plenty of rosemary and wild thyme here, but also blackberries and touches of candied orange peel and spice, make this a very appealing Gigondas. The excellent tannin structure and mineral freshness give this so much life, enabling it to carry easily the 15% alcohol. From grenache and syrah vines, growing at 260 to 400 meters altitude. Drink or hold.
93/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
Darker, almost blue fruits as well as mineral, leather, and peppery goodness all emerge from the 2019 Gigondas Romane Machotte, a very traditional, medium to full-bodied Gigondas based on 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It will drink well for a decade.
91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
I?m not sure the 2019 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane isn?t the finest vintage I?ve tasted of this cuvée. It?s a darker, richer Gigondas based on 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah. Medium to full-bodied, remarkably pure, and beautifully balanced, it has complex notes of damp forest floor, peppery garrigue, and assorted darker berry fruits. It?s a brilliant effort from this team that will keep for 10-15 years.
94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
Lastly, the 2019 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle comes from a higher elevation vineyard and is just about all Grenache that will spend two years in foudre before release. Absolutely loaded with Provençal goodness, it has sweet red and black fruits, spice, and garrigue notes to go with a medium to full-bodied, richly textured, balanced style on the palate. It?s already hard to resist (even as a barrel sample) but will evolve gracefully for 15 years or more if stored properly.
92-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
Looking at the 2019s, the 2019 Vacqueyras La Grangelière has a medium-bodied, juicy, elegant, mid-weight style as well as plenty of peppery red and black fruits and some herbal, leathery notes. It doesn?t have the concentration of the top wines here, but the balance is spot on, and it?s a perfect early drinker.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
The 2020 Gigondas Romane Machotte should easily be outstanding and is another high-quality wine from this producer. Pure red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and spice all flow to a medium-bodied, classy, elegant Gigondas that?s very much in the style of this fresher, pure, elegant vintage.
90-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
The 2020 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is more old-school in style and has meaty, spicy, earthy red and black fruits as well as some powerful, chewy tannins on the palate. The tannins will need to be watched, but this is a solid, possibly outstanding bottle of wine in the making. The blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah brought up in very old barrels.
90-92/100
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
The flagship 2020 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle is almost exclusively Grenache (there?s 10% Syrah) that sees a longer élevage in foudre. Clean red and black fruits, spice, loamy soil, and leather notes all comprise the bouquet, and it?s medium to full-bodied, with a balanced, elegant mouthfeel and a great finish. It?s unquestionably a beautiful wine in the making, and with its longer élevage, it normally has plenty of up-front charm as well.
91-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2020
By Jeb Dunnuck 01/2022
The entry level cuvée, the 2020 Vacqueyras La Grangelière is an 80/20 split of Grenache and Syrah. It has a juicy bouquet of bright berry and strawberry fruits as well as some Provençal herbs and pepper. Medium-bodied, pure, and easygoing, it?s a total charmer that will drink nicely right out of the gate.
89-91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 09/21
Heady streaks of vanilla, toasted brioche and acacia flower perfume this medium-bodied, dry white. Vinified in 1/3 new oak, it swathes a core of bright lemon and grapefruit flavors in swirls of lemon curd and smoked cedar.
90/100
Decanter
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2020
By Matt Walls 12/21
Very full-bodied thanks to the oak, this shows great intensity and piercing acidity to cut through the oak spice. Saline, long, driving and vibrant, revealing preserved lemon, toasted nuts, salt and then ripe lemons on the finish. A good option for those looking for an inexpensive, fresh and powerful oaked white.
92/100
Decanter
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2020
By Matt Walls 12/21
Good weight and concentration, although the aromatics are discreet for now. This is well-balanced, there’s a touch of oak that helps build some weight and length into the wine. Longer than most. Smooth and satisfying. Old vines at 400m, aged for 18 months – 60% in barriques (15% new) and 40% in foudres.
92/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2020
By James Lawther 12/21
Dark and reserved with a hint of herb and spice. A little austere on the palate but there?s an intensity of fruit and solid tannic frame. Will need time to come around but has potential.
16/20
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2020
By James Lawther 12/21
Attractive red-berry and plum aromas. Well delineated on the palate, the fruit and balance there. Tannins long and fresh giving good persistence on the finish. Seems quite harmonious.
16+/20
Drink Rhone
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre white 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth
very flinty, pale yellow colour; the bouquet is a neat combination of citrus freshness and a pear, flan couch, is fine tuned. The palate drinks with similar outer zest, has verve and good, fresh length, carries a rather savoury, textured content, the aftertaste quietly firm. It leaves a good spearmint trail behind it. There are busy white fruits present, and the clarity to allow it accompany seafood, as recommended. It?s an upbeat Côtes.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth
yellow; the bouquet is sizeable, has a rich centre, crushed white fruits, very Clairette-aniseed, pastis, young oak. The palate reflects the sun of the year, with a fuelled run of white fruits, apricot, ends firmly, notes of dried fruits. This has southern strength. More interesting on a second stage, best to leave three to four years ? it certainly has the acidity for that. ?Ferments ended towards Christmas, so the evolution is behind this year; it?s very fresh for a 2019,? Jean-Marie Amadieu.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Chateauneuf du Pape La Paillousse 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth
clear yellow robe; the bouquet has a tinkle of clarity, is a little simple, shows white fruits with a note of nut paste, a touch of reduction. The palate has a gentle style, bears cosy gras richness, a floral tremor, a flavour of white fruit jam, greengage, with a nutty tone towards the close. The finish is solid enough to pair with fish such as halibut, haddock. It?s a regular sort of Châteaunuef blanc, safe but not inspiring. The best bet is to drink around four years? old, with greater evolution, variety and stimulus.
* * *
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth
1) 33% of the wine, Gren 60%, Syr 40%) ***(*) purple-dark red; there is refinement in the red fruit, raspberry aroma. The palate is lucid, kindly fruited, lined with red fruits, cherry, a little knuckle of crisp tannin on the close. 13 years 2) a strong ***(*) (55% Mourv, 40% Gren, 5% Cari, 67% of it) full red; sturdy, meaty aroma, true Mourvèdre, a note of laurel. The palate is firm, decisive, reaches out well. A hint of late power comes through.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth 05/2021
shiny, full red robe; the bouquet has a soft air of blackberry, with sound inner filling, a notion of jam sweetness and dried herbs. The palate is a regular affair, gives a straightforward, direct run of mixed berry fruits with a little edge in the tannins, the aftertaste clear, but falling back. It lacks a point of confirmed richness, but is ready for grills, outdoor events.
* * *
Drink Rhone
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth 05/2021
good, full red robe; the nose is well formed, offers airs of plums, olives, a sweet tone to it, and a lasting trail. The palate is juicy, agreeably full, rolls along well, develops some smoky tannins that bring late edge and a grainy texture, the length sustained. This is a properly structured, feet on the ground Côtes for a longer life than most, a wine that will evolve nicely. It?s just tapping at the door for now, vintage concentration at its heart. 14.5°.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth 05/2021
attractive dark red; the bouquet has a sunny filling of ripe black berry fruit, notes of oak, crushed nutshells, chocolate present. It?s a sleek start, reflects cellar over vineyard for now. The palate holds shapely content, good purity in its dark fruit with lissom tannins in tow, spic, then oak again on the aftertaste. There is a steady, rather tight richness at its heart, and it will gradually lessen its oak effect, so leave until 2025 or so. It?s modern, polished Gigondas, not really local as it stands. Decant it.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth 05/2021
very dark robe, black more than red; the bouquet is effusive, thorough, brims up on large black berry lozenges, has a buccaneer style, hints of oak. The palate is swell, rolling with wavy black-toned content, and agile tannins, good freedom in its delivery. It?s a polished, slightly international, state of the art Gigondas, which is about half cellar/human, half local ID for now. The longer you wait, the more it will be local. Its gusto is appealing. The aftertaste steers some oak into the picture.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By John Livingstone-Learmonth 05/2021
dark red; the bouquet has a loose ease about it, offers airs of nettles, herbs, dusty trails, with a little fine tuned black berry fruit, suggests its altitude in its still rather spare delivery. The palate is also fibrous, direct, carries vegetal connections with a crisp fruit that has verve and carries well. It?s a linear Gigondas, one that will benefit from time, and can most certainly come together successfully ? that is how things should be. Menthol on the aftertaste is preceded by salty moments, all good and local, and it will gradually fill out its flanks over time. It?s a long term play. From 2024, decant it.
* * * *
Wine Enthusiast
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2019
By Anna Lee C. Iijima – 06/2021
Herbaceous tones of sun-ripened bramble and bursts of blackberry and blueberry preserves introduce this bold, fruity Grenache-Syrah blend vinified entirely in stainless steel. Ready to drink immediately, this mouthfilling sip finishes on hints of charred vanilla bean, lavender and soft, silky tannins.
90/100
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2019
By Alistair Cooper – May 2021
Cocoa and a heavy mass of tannins ? lacks some concentration in the mouth. Has firm tannins and lacks finesse.
14/20
Elizabeth Gabay
2020
By Elizabeth Gabay
Very pale pink. There’s some vibrant red fruit and slightly floral, mouth-watering acidity. Redcurrants, leafy. fresh and juicy. Some dark fruit, cherries, bruised and juicy cassis, gentle Ribena. Lovely dark, structural, juicy and fruity body. Beautiful weightiness, saline, incredibly saline in fact. Slightly phenolic on the finish, juicy, crunchy. Incredibly moreish and a very pleasant wine.
Highly Recommended
Wine Spectator
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2019
By James Molesworth
Juicy and fresh, with cassis and cherry puree notes, laced with floral and red tea hints. A mineral edge guides the finish. Drink now through 2023.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2019
By James Molesworth
Ripe black cherry and plum compote flavors form the bulk of this wine, while black licorice and lightly singed alder notes add range on the finish.
88/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2019
By James Molesworth
Focused dark cherry and blackberry fruit streams through, flanked with graphite and singed anise notes. Nicely persistent on the finish. Drink now through 2022.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By James Molesworth
Bright and fresh, with starfruit, yellow apple and yellow plum notes streaking through, laced with verbena and honeysuckle along the way. Delicious. Drink now through 2022.
90/100
Wine Enthusiast
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2018
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 08/06
Bright, sun-kissed red currants and raspberries perfume this velvety blend of Grenache (70%) and Syrah (30%) sourced from high-altitude vineyards. Edged by notes of earth and saddle, it’s a potent, concentrated red matured in a combination of oak barrels and foudres yet held upright by vibrant acidity and fine, chalky tannins. At peak now?2025.
90/100
Jancis Robinson
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2019
By Alistair Cooper 05/21
50% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne. Hand-picked grapes are vinified in barrels. Ageing on lees with stirring for two months.
Tasted blind. Vanillin and spiced notes on the nose. The palate shows some breadth and weight with just sufficient acidity, slight warmth from the alcohol but just kept in check, a suggestion of honey on the moderate finish. Drink 2021-2025
15.5/20
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 04/2021
Smoky notes of roasted cacao and cinnamon accent plush, plummy blueberry and blackberry in this 90/10 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Fleshy and ripe, it’s a rich, almost creamy red balanced by a revitalizing mineral undertow. Ready now, the wine should drink well through 2028
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 04/2021
Prominent whiffs of burnt caramel, char and toast meld seamlessly into richly concentrated black-plum and cherry flavors in this wine. An 80/20 blend of Grenache and Syrah matured six months in oak, it’s a lavish, stately wine that balances youthful black-fruit flavors against embellishments of clove, vanilla and crushed earth. Soft in tannins, it’s ready to enjoy now but should improve through 2028 and hold further.
92/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 04/2021
Sourced from vines averaging 45 years in age on limestone and marl soils, this blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah spotlights ripe but pristine mulberry and boysenberry flavors. It’s a concentrated wine lifted by a chalky, salty mineral undertow, finishing on fine, supple tannins. Ready now, the wine should drink well through 2028.
93/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 04/2021
Powerfully ripe yet vital and fresh, this full-bodied blend of Grenache (65%), Mourvèdre (20%) and Syrah (15%) was sourced from the highest vineyard plots in the producer’s estate. It’s an intense, fleshy sip heaving with sun-drenched black cherry and preserved-berry flavors accented by hints of bay leaf, crushed pepper and anise. Supple tannins and fresh acidity make it immediately enjoyable but the wine should stay at peak through 2028 and hold further still
94/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By James Molesworth 01/2021
Ripe and suave in feel, with a caressing edge to a mix of crushed plum, cassis and cherry preserve flavors as they glide through. Light mineral and black tea notes add range through the finish, which is sneaky long, leaving a mouthwatering feel. Latent depth too, so worth letting this develop in the cellar. Best from 2021 through 2035.
93/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By James Molesworth 01/2021
Packed with red- and black-currant fruit inlaid with licorice snap, garrigue and tar notes, this stays racy and focused in feel thanks to a bright iron?mineral streak that runs underneath it all. Rock solid. Best from 2022 through 2038.
94/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By James Molesworth 01/2021
Very solid, with plum paste, fig pâte de fruit and black currant preserve flavors pumping through, laced with juniper and garrigue notes and supported by a chalky underpinning on the finish. Best from 2021 through 2035.
94/100
Wine Enthusiast
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2017
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 12/2020
Sourced from Grenache and Syrah grown on the northern heights of Vinsobres, this full-bodied but invigorating red offers zesty blackberry and cherry flavors. It’s lavishly fruity but accented by layers of wild thyme, mint and earth. The finish is velvety and lingers on a warming touch of vanilla. Ready now but should drink well through 2025.
90/100
Decanter
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2019
By Matt Walls 12/2020
Potent and rich, but not excessively so, this has a good tannic structure and the necessary acidic precision to bring focus, shape and freshness. Sensible oak regime holds the fruit to the fore, but rounds out the tannins and gives a little length. Saline finish.
91/100
Saint-Joseph Les Capelets 2015
By Niels Ehler
Warm, floral and well-developed fragrance that is delicate and rewarding. Beautifully balanced with subdued oak and excellent minerality. Dense, youthful mouthfeel with good acid balance and adequate concentration. Delicate and with appealing aroma richness. Well-built tannin structure and excellent juiciness that continues nicely into the aftertaste
91/100
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2016
By John Livingstone 10/2017
Dark red. The nose gives a lucid aroma of cherry-raspberry fruit, has a coulis style, appealing sweetness, glistens with juvenile brilliance, shows some oak in the background. The palate is the home to most attractive Grenache red fruits, red cherries with a suave style and juicy content. The mid-palate is very well filled, the balance is good, and the purity of the fruit striking ? it?s crystalline. The oak will require another four years or so to fuse into it. A most winning bottle awaits, full of the clarity of Gigondas. From 2021. 2036-39 Oct 2017
* * * * *
Wine Advocate
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
A 75-25 blend of Grenache and Syrah, the 2018 Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre is a fruit-forward offering with substantial weight for a “simple” Côtes du Rhône. Raspberries, cherries and garrigue come together on the charming nose, while silky tannins frame the palate and linger easily on the finish. Typically retailing for less than $15, it’s a solid value.
88/100
Wine Advocate
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
Aged in foudres and older barrels, the 2018 Vinsobres Les Piallats is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It’s distinctively spicy and gamy, with notes of pepper, clove and leather making a substantial impression, backed by mixed berries and horse liniment. Medium to full-bodied, it boasts a fine framework of silky tannins that extend through the vaguely metallic finish. I’d drink this over the near term.
87/100
Wine Advocate
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
Often overlooked in the Amadieu lineup, the 2018 Cairanne les Hautes Rives is another terrific value. A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah, it offers up dark, earthy scents reminiscent of black cherries, plums and cola, while being full-bodied, round and generous on the palate, with a supple, slightly velvety finish.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
An assemblage of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, Amadieu’s 2018 Vacqueyras la Grangeliere features a bouquet of violets, garrigue, redcurrants and mocha. It’s a complex, medium to full-bodied red with a ripe, generous feel on the palate and a lingering, silky finish.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
From a vineyard at 400 meters above sea level (near the upper limit of the appellation), the 2017 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle is a 90-10 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged several years in oak. Like many of the cuvées that see extended time in barrel, the oak actually seems to recede over time, being most prominent sometime between eight and 14 months. Now that this wine is in bottle, it does reveal hints of mocha, dried spices and cedar, but?more importantly?stronger notes of dark earth and ripe cherries. Full-bodied and velvety, it’s a powerful, muscular example of Gigondas that may be consumed young or aged up to a decade.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
Always among the top wines at this address, the 2018 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane delivers once again. Hedonistic waves of vanilla and ripe cherries greet the nose, while the full-bodied palate is expansive yet structured, framed by softly dusty tannins that turn silkier on the long finish. While decidedly modern in style, it looks to have the inherent substance and balance to drink well for up to a decade.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Joe Czerwinski 11/20
The 2018 Gigondas Romane Machotte?an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in a combination of foudres and barriques?is perfumed and seductive, with hints of violets, roses, herbal tea and dried cherries on the nose. The palate is silky but structured, with some slightly astringent tannins that carry through to the lingering finish, but they’re nothing that can’t be tamed by some rare beef or lamb, or another year in the cellar. This has turned out even better than I projected from barrel.
91/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Alistair Cooper 11/20
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Aged in oak for 24 months and a further year in bottle. Tasted blind. Cherry and sweet spice. Quite heavily extracted tannins are a little too prominent against the moderate fruit core.
14/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By Alistair Cooper 11/20
65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in oak barrels (30% new) and in foudres. Cask sample.Tasted blind. Oaky nose with red fruits. Firm and has quite notable oaking on the palate also. The tannins are a little oak-derived and thus rasping.
14/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By Alistair Cooper 11/20
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Aged for 12 months in oak casks and barrels. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Ripe fruit core is swamped by a cloak of dominant tannins. Medium length but has some good freshness.
14.5/20
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2015
By James Molesworth 11/2020
Beefy in feel, with dark currant and fig fruit melding with roasted alder, dried sage and licorice root notes on the finish. Solid tannic spine throughout. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2021 through 2026.
92/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2018
By James Molesworth 11/2020
Bright kirsch and anise notes stream through this open, fresh red, with light garrigue and incense hints on the finish. Drink now.
88/100
Wine Spectator
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2018
By James Molesworth 11/2020
For fans of the funk, as this has a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit inlaid with hints of sage, chestnut and espresso crema, giving this an old-school feel in the end. Drink now through 2023.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By James Molesworth 11/2020
Stylish, with singed sandalwood, sanguine and red tea notes weaving around a light-bodied core of red currant and cherry puree flavors. Drink now through 2021.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2018
By James Molesworth 11/2020
Direct, with fresh cherry and raspberry notes backed by a light graphite edge on the finish. Modest in scale, but shows good energy throughout. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2021.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By James Molesworth 11/2020
This is a pure, fruit-filled delight, brimming with honeysuckle-infused melon, green fig and star fruit flavors. Verbena echoes through the finish. Delicious. Drink now through 2021.
91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
Not yet bottled, the 2019 Vacqueyras La Grangeliere is cut from the same cloth but has slightly more mid-palate density as well as length on the finish. Pretty notes of red and black fruits, spring flowers, candied violets, and spice all emerge from this plump, easygoing, medium to full-bodied effort. It?s another wine to drink in its first 5-7 years.
89-91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
The 2018 Vacqueyras La Grangeliere is a total charmer, offering plenty of ripe strawberry and blackberry fruits intermixed with notes of spring flowers and spice. This gives way to a plump, Provençal, medium-bodied effort that displays the vintage?s forward, charming, delicious style. It?s ideal for enjoying over the coming 4-5 years, if not a little longer.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
The flagship 2019 Gigondas Le Pas De L?Aigle is the normal 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah brought up in cask. More peppery garrigue, cedary spice, dried incense, and both kirsch and blackberry-like fruit characteristics emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with a medium-bodied, concentrated mouthfeel that carries plenty of structure and depth. As normal, this wine will need 2-4 years of bottle age but will be a classic, outstanding Gigondas that will evolve for over a decade.
92-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
The flagship from this solid estate is the 2017 Gigondas Le Pas De L?Aigle and it checks in as 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that sees a longer elevage in tank followed by a year in bottle before release. Revealing a more medium ruby color that?s slightly translucent, it has a terrific, classic 2017 bouquet of spiced red fruits, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and loamy soil, with a terrific sense of limestone induced minerality that comes through with time in the glass. Hitting the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, it has beautiful overall balance, plenty of mid-palate depth, and enough tannins to warrant another 2-3 years of bottle age. It?s beautifully done and just a Provençal, satisfying, already complex, Gigondas that?s going to evolve for 10-15 years.
93+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
Moving to the 2019s from barrel, the 2019 Gigondas Romane Machotte reveals a ruby/purple hue as well as a terrific nose of black raspberry and kirsch fruits supported by plenty of cedary spice and dried garrigue like nuances. Medium to full-bodied and nicely concentrated, with ripe tannins, it?s a beautiful Gigondas in the making that should drink nicely right out of the gate, yet also evolve for 7-8 years, if not longer.
90-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2019
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
As normal, the 2019 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is a denser, more black-fruited, mineral-laced effort that has medium to full-bodied richness, loads of fruit, building tannins, and a great finish. This is another serious, impressive Gigondas that should have some upfront charm yet benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age. It will evolve for over a decade.
91-93+/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
Showing nicely from barrel and now from bottle, the 2018 Gigondas Romane Machotte reveals a medium ruby/translucent color to go with a beautifully Provençal and complex bouquet of wild strawberries, herbes de Provence, cedary spice, and loamy soil. Playing in the medium-bodied, charming, nicely textured style of the vintage, it has loads of charm and is ideal for drinking over the coming 5-7 years.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck 10/2020
While the 2018 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane isn?t going to match the brilliant 2017, it?s nevertheless an outstanding, beautiful Gigondas that has loads to love. Offering lots of ripe black cherries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, and spice, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a rounded, expansive texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It?s another Provençal, character-filled, incredibly satisfying wine from this estate that should drink nicely for 7-8 years.
90/100
Drink Rhone
Viognier IGP Méditerranée 2019
By John Livingstone 08/2020
Fine yellow robe; there?s a sherbet buzz about the nose, with dashings of pear, apricot, with a note of licorice. It?s a bouncy opening. The palate comes with immediate white fruits, with a keen acidity towards the finish. It?s a well channelled Southern white, with enough tempo to serve for the aperitif, the length good and fresh. There are flashes of fruit along its busy path, with a note of tannic grip, darkness on the finish ? that renders it suitable for la table as well, chicken dishes ideal.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Tavel La Gravinière 2019
By John Livingstone 08/2020
Full, appealing red robe, its brightness handsome. The bouquet is replete, full of red berry fruits, a good summer mix of raspberry and strawberry, carries some of the vintage sweetness. The palate bears an intense level of red cherry, tangy, charry stone flavour, is decisive and very clear on the finish. It has a little developing still to do, and will emerge with a more open display in a few months. The fruit is under restraint, but well cut. It?s a serious Tavel, for boldly flavoured dishes.
* * *
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2019
By John Livingstone 08/2020
Fine yellow robe; peach fruit, soft aroma, has a little aniseed direction that helps, dried fruits, butter also. There are low-key oak notes. The palate springs out well, carries a fresh outer, a firm inner, has a firm grapey flavour. This is stout, for la table, has tang also. The Clairette rose gives a note of rose petal near the finish, joli that is. Harvested 10 September. There?s plenty here to involve the mind as well as the palate.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2018
By John Livingstone 08/2020
Dark red; large, grilled bouquet, soaked red cherries or griottes, has a fat sunny outlook, a curve of ripeness, is typical Cairanne in that respect, with the slight refinement. The palate bears slightly peppery content, cooked red fruits, some dynamism in the tannins which are chewy, raw. This is the first bottling, is demanding, the next will have had some large barrel raising extra. It?s rugged, but genuine.
* * *
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 07/2020
Sourced from high-elevation vineyards of limestone and marl, this blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah offers piercing blackberry and cherry flavors highlighted by tangs of smoky, stony minerality. Aged partially in new oak, it’s fresh in fruit but finishes on lingering notes of smoked nut, clove and cinnamon. At peak now through 2027, the wine should hold further still.
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 07/2020
An 80?20 blend of Grenache and Syrah sourced from high-elevation clay and marl, this rich, supple red offers black-cherry and plum flavors accented by black pepper and charred clove. Aged 12 months in oak, it’s an open-knit, silky sip enveloped by fine, chalky tannins. Immediately enjoyable, the wine should hold through 2027.
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2017
By Anna Lee C. Iijima 07/2020
Savory notes of char and crushed earth lend complexity to this ripe, concentrated blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. It’s a deeply extracted wine with substantial girth and heft but fresh mineral tones and fine, penetrating tannins lend elegance. The wine drinks well now but should improve through 2027
92/100
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By Richard Hemming
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Aged in old oak. Tank sample. Tasted blind. Well-defined red fruit with soft tannins and a slight iodine note on the finish. Reasonably light body gives this good drinkability.
16/20
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By John Livingstone 02/2020
Full red colour; the bouquet has a Grenache-led spiced, red fruit jam, cooked strawberry aroma, comes with a trifle dusty aspect. The palate bears some of the baking of the hot vintage, is compressed, the juice clamped, the tannins firm to dry. It?s a sunshine, Southern, grounded wine, which requires keeping to bring more freedom and expression, and to soften it as well: it can do that, will have its moment in the sun later on. Decant it.
* * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By John Livingstone 02/2020
Shiny dark red; the nose is broad, sustained, gives a concerted aroma of raspberry fruit with side notes of dried herbes de Provence ? the fruit stands up well. The palate involves oaking on the attack, runs with well collected red fruits, mulberry for example, and tannins that have inner strength, real resolve. It has racy notes in a firm filling. Its bright approach appeals, and the aftertaste is well juiced. Good length, good shape here.
* * * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By John Livingstone 02/2020
Shiny dark robe; the bouquet has a live air of blackberry, blackberry jelly fruit, with a little menthol, tea leaves in the mix, influences that lift it. The palate resounds well via its stylish, elegant black fruits, with purity in the fruit, and fine tuning in the tannins. The juice is well concentrated, and fluid at the same time, as it finishes. The length is good. This has good shape, will evolve nicely.
* * * *
Vinous Media
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2017
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Deep ruby. Powerful red and dark berry aromas ate complemented by suggestions of licorice and cracked pepper. With air, picks up a floral quality, chich carries onto a palate that offers lush black raspberry and cherry liqueur flavors. Delivers richness as well as energy and finished long and smooth, with supple tannins franmin lingering dark berry and floral notes. Raised in a combination of foudres and barriques.
91/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Shimmering violet color. Vibrant raspberry and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of garrigue, incense, exotic spices and smoky minerals. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet energetic red berry, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. Fine-grained, even tannins lend gentle grip to an extremely long, smooth finish that leaves sappy red fruit and allspice notes behind. This superb wine is shaping up to be the best one that I have ever tasted from this venerable estate.
94-96/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Deep, brilliant red. A deeply perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red/blue fruits, incense and vanilla. A sexy floral nuance builds as the wine opens up. Offers sweet, concentrated raspberry, boysenberry, candied lavender and spicecake flavors that steadily become more lively as the wine stretches out. Displays sharp delineation and emphatic spicy thrust on a impressively long, floral-dominated finish that?s framed by supple, slow-building tannins.
93-95/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Vivid ruby-red. Ripe red/blue fruits, pungent flowers, incense and exotic spices on the hugely perfumed nose. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering deeply concentrated raspberry liqueur, boysenberry, candied lavender and fruitcake flavors that pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Supple, even tannins add shape and subtle grip to the impressively long, sappy finish, which repeats the red fruit and floral notes.
93-94/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Full, shimmering ruby. Lively aromas of spices-tinged dark berries and candied violet pick up suggestions of garrigue and licorice as the wine opens up. Supple and energetic in style, offering floral pastille flavors and a hint of smoky minerality. Finishes sweet, gently tannic and very long, leaving exotic spice and violet notes behind
92/93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Glistening magenta. Powerful, spice-accented cherry and black raspberry aromas show sharp definition and pick up a sexy floral quality with aeration. Broad and chewy in the mouth, offering sweet red/dark berry, bitter chocolate and spicecake flavors that become more lively with air. Shows a sexy floral note on the persistent finish, which is framed by fine-grained, steadily building tannins.
91-92/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Josh Raynolds 02/2020
Glistening ruby-red. Pungent aromas of ripe cherry and dark berries punctuated by suggestions of smoked meat and vanilla. In a wild but controlled style, offering sweet cassis, cherry liqueur, allspice and mocha flavors that firm up quickly on the back end. Opens up on the long, youthfully tannic finish, which leaves sappy red/dark berry and spice notes behind.
92-94/100
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2017
By James Molesworth
Fresh and pure, with a racy beam of blackberry and black cherry fruit, lined with a graphite note and backed by hints of black tea and violet. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2022.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship cuvee is the 2015 Gigondas Le Pas de L?Aigle and it comes from the highest part of the appellation (400 meters) and is 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. It spends upwards of two years in oak casks. The 2015 is up with the best vintages I?ve tasted of the cuvee and offers terrific notes of blackberries, black raspberries, toasted spice and licorice. It has full-bodied depth on the palate, a solid midpalate and terrific tannin quality, I just hope the long elevage here doesn?t dry out the fruit.
91-94/100
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2015
By John Livingstone
(barrel/cask) dark, full red robe, black tints. The nose gives a piled aroma of simmered black berry fruits, has a damp connection, shows some licorice. It?s well filled, but also has a cool inkiness. The palate is robust, full, tight as a drum, carries an intense black fruit flavour with dark tannins right in step. It has the frame of a fresh region wine. It is full of healthy charge on the finish, really reaches out a long way, with oak present there. From 2021. 2036-39
* * * * (*)
Wine Advocate
Saint-Joseph Les Capelets 2016
By Joe Czerwinski – 11/2018
Gigondas-based Pierre Amadieu has turned out a respectable 2016 Saint Joseph Les Capelets. Notes of campfire and kiln-dried lumber mark the nose, but there’s solid blueberry and raspberry fruit underneath in this medium to full-bodied wine. Hints of bitter chocolate and espresso creep in on the finish.
89/100
Decanter
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2018
By Matt Walls
Fermented in barrel, then aged on lees with lees stirring for 2 months. A fruitier, more citrussy style than most, met with a gentle but enticing vein of spice. Full-bodied, but not gloopy but fairly thick in texture. Well balanced, with a lovely fresh, fruity, satsuma acidity running through it. Good length of fruit on the finish. Well balanced, uncomplicated, well made, true to Cairanne.
89/100
Wine Advocate
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2018
By Joe Czerwinski – 11/2019
The 2018 Cairanne les Hautes Rives looks very promising, with its scents of cola, black cherries and spice. It’s dark, earthy and supple, medium to fullbodied, rich and velvety.
89-91/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Richard Hemming 11/19
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Aged for 12 months in old oak. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Dry, tart palate with simple fruit and light spicing.
15/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Richard Hemming 11/19
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Aged for 24 months in old oak. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Strawberry and cherry fruit, piquant spices which give good contrast to the ripe fruit, and moderate length that finishes with hot alcohol.
15,5/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Richard Hemming 11/19
65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah. Aged for 18 months in oak. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Potent oak influence gives a strong spicy complexity to the nose, and leads the palate too. There is correct red fruit too, but it plays second fiddle to the oak. Aggressive tannic grip. Might settle with time ? Drink 2022?2028
15,5/20
Wine Spectator
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2017
By James Molesworth 11/19
Ripe and focused, with a plush wave of crushed plum and warm cassis notes, liberally infused with violet and incense accents. The finish shows a dark winey edge and a tug of iron. Best from 2020 through 2025.
92/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2016
By James Molesworth – 11/2019
Ripe and vivid, with beautiful flow to the mix of dark plum, fig and blackberry preserve flavors, carried by a swath of licorice root and tobacco. Swirls of black tea and mesquite show on the finish, which reveals well-buried chalky minerality. Should cellar nicely. Best from 2022 through 2035.
94/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By James Molesworth – 11/2019
Mulled raspberry, damson plum and black cherry fruit flavors are stitched with garrigue, savory and anise notes. A tarry backdrop on the finish pulls everything together. On the old-school side and solidly done. Best from 2022 through 2032
93/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By James Molesworth – 11/2019
Ripe and juicy in feel, with a wound-up core of raspberry, black currant and cherry pâte de fruit flavors waiting to stretch out, while an undercurrent of alder, tobacco and licorice root notes moves through. Will be a winner when fully knit. Best from 2023 through 2035.
94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
I loved the 2017 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane from Amadieu. Based on 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah, it boasts a ruby color as well as perfumed notes kirsch liqueur, currants, cedary spice, chocolate, and lavender. Medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited, and all-around polished and sexy, drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years.
93/100
JebDunnuck.com
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
Based on 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, the 2018 Cairanne Les Hautes Rives is still again all in tank and sees no oak whatsoever. This ripe, sexy, textured 2018 offers medium to full-bodied notes of strawberries, black raspberries, ground pepper, and dried flowers. It?s Provençal, supple, and again, beautifully textured.
90-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
Always a charmer, the 2018 Vacqueyras La Grangelière is no exception and has plenty of red and black fruits, savory herbs, and peppery notes as well as a medium-bodied, supple, textured style on the palate that?s going to drink great right from the gate.
89-91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
The flagship cuvée is the 2017 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle, which comes from a northwest-facing parcel located at the foot of the Dentelles at an elevation of 400 meters above sea level. It has a complex, lively perfume of spring flowers, rose petals, mulberries, and kirsch to go with a medium to full-bodied, silky style on the palate. It doesn?t have the density of the 2016, yet it certainly isn?t far off. It?s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for a decade.
91-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
Not yet bottled, the 2018 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle (90/10 Grenache and Syrah) offers a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless style as well as perfumed notes of black raspberries, graphite, spice cabinet, and dried flower-like nuances. It has good density on the mid-palate, outstanding balance, and a great finish, all pointing to a terrific Gigondas that will drink well of over a decade.
91-93/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
In the same ballpark, the 2018 Gigondas Romane Machotte is another ripe, forward, fleshy Gigondas that?s going to have plenty of upfront appeal. Complex notes of ripe strawberries, black raspberries, cedarwood, and dried garrigue all emerge from this medium-bodied Gigondas that?s ideal for enjoying over the coming 5-7 years.
89-91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
The 2018 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is charmer and shows the vintage style with its upfront dark fruits, cedary spice, and earthy aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied and nicely textured on the palate, it offers plenty of fruit and is going to drink nicely right out of the gate.
89-91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
A beautiful wine, the flagship 2016 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle is a normal blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that spent a full two years in oak casks before bottling. Ruby/purple-colored with intense notes of black raspberries, cassis, garrigue, and flowery incense, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and building tannins that give plenty of cut and definition on the finish. Taking plenty of time to open up, it?s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and shine for 10-15 years. It?s a class act.
95/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck – 09/2019
Not yet bottled, the 2017 Gigondas Romane Machotte looks to be an outstanding wine as well. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah brought up in oak casks, it offers classic ripe red fruits, ground pepper, rose garden, and menthol aromas and flavors. This medium-bodied, pretty, elegant wine will keep for 7-8 years.
90-92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2018
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
Mainly (90%) 65-year-old Grenache grown at 400 meters above sea level on blue clay, Amadieu’s 2018 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle looks to be another top success. Still in barrel (where it stays for two years), it’s full-bodied, supple and rich, with bold raspberry and cherry fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and a long, rich finish marked by ripe tannins.
93-95/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2018
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
Penetrating aromas of Bing cherries and mossy stones lead the way in the 2018 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane, a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah. It’s full-bodied, supple and round, fleshed out but ripe stone fruit, then it finishes firm and tannic.
91-94/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2018
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
An 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, the medium to full-bodied 2018 Gigondas Romane Machotte is supple and nearly ready to drink, despite still being in oak. Cherries and peaches round out this plush-textured wine that lingers on the finish.
87-89/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2016
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
Amadieu’s top cuvée, the 2016 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle is 90% old-vine Grenache and 10% Syrah planted at 400 meters above sea level (near the top of the appellation). Hints of clove, leather and cedar accent a mix of red and black fruit, including hints of cola. Medium to full-bodied, this concentrated, complex wine should be at its best in another year or two and drink well for the next 4-5 years.
93/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
The 2017 Gigondas Romane Machotte is full-bodied and tannic, yet it still manages to turn silky on the finish. It starts off floral and peppery, then adds ample black cherry fruit on the palate. An 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it’s a solid effort.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Joe Czerwinski – 09/2019
A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah aged in a mix of barrels and foudres, the 2017 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane looks every bit as good as the barrel sample did last year, layering subtle cedar and vanilla shadings over ripe berries and stone fruit. Full-bodied, creamy and lush, the only question will be if it is just too modern and hedonistic for some readers.
94/100
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2015
By John Livingstone Learmonth – 05/2016
(vat) sleek dark robe. The bouquet is well filled with prune fruit, some brightness, a note of chocolate. It reflects sunny climes. The palate sequels closely and well, with a generous content, cool blue fruits and well encased tannins – very snug they are. Full of gourmandise and appeal, a bonny southern wine with precise length. 14°. 40,000 b. Cairanne cru, not Villages wine. From 2018. 2024
* * * *
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2015
By Josh Raynolds – 06/2016
Bright orange-pink. Pungent cherry pit and garrigue aromas develop notes of dried flowers and minerals in the glass. Fleshy bitter cherry and blood orange flavors are braced by smoky minerality, and a peppery nuance emerges on the back half. Shows a touch of warmth and oily herbs on the finish, with a lingering note of bitter orange pith.
88/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck – 06/2016
The smokin’ good 2015 Gigondas Romane Machotte Rose from Pierre Amadieu checks in a direct press and partial saignee blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Cinsault and 15% Syrah that was raised all in stainless steel. Its light salmon/pink color is followed by terrific salty minerality to go with plenty of spice, currants and herbes de Provence-like aromas and flavors. Deliciously fresh and lively on the palate, yet still with texture, it’s a beautiful Rosé to drink over the coming summer.
90-92/100
Drink Rhone
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2015
By John Livingstone Learmonth – 06/2016
fine yellow robe. The nose is alert, laced with some oak, carries a good centre of white peach and apricot. The palate picks up well from the nose, presents a supple richness with white plums in the flavour. There is a light note of infused tea such as camomile on the finish, aniseed – that allows some tidy grip to close it, with a small burst of oak. This has style. 13.5°. 3,800 b. 2019 May 2016
* * * (*)
Wine Advocate
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre rosé 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck – 06/2016
Another rock-solid effort from this team is the 2015 Cotes du Rhone Roulepierre Rose, which is 60% Grenache, 20% Cinsault and 20% Syrah, all from a direct press. It gives up lots of cherry and garrigue nuances in a medium-bodied, rounded, textured and lengthy style. It will shine on the dinner table and keep for 6-12 months.
88/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
Another beautiful wine from this large estate is the 2015 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane, which is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah. Coming from higher elevation parcels and brought up in a mix of used and new barrels, it offers tons of peppery herbs, lavender, blackcurrants and spice aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, round, textured and balanced, it?s a rock solid Gigondas to drink over the coming 7-9 years.
89-92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
The 2015 Gigondas Romane Machotte offers an attractive, medium to full-bodied, nicely textured style as well as textbook notes of ripe cherry and strawberry fruits and Provencal spices. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it will spend a year in a combination of larger oak tanks and older small barrels.
87-90/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By Jancis Robinson 12/2016
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Matured for 10 months in 50% 30-hl and 100-hl oak casks and 50% three- to four-year-old 225-litre barrels. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Bright crimson. Rather dull fruit. Solid but no lift. And pretty tough tannins on the end. Stolid.Drink 2018-2024
15,5/20
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2015
By Jancis Robinson 12/2016
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Six months in used oak, mix of barriques and larger casks. Tasted blind. Rather greyish crimson. Rich fruit with some seduction. Some coolness on the finish ? a really rather nice combo. Though again the finish is a little drying. But it has enough fruit to triumph over this. Nicely done! Drink 2019-2025
16,5/20
Wine Advocate
Saint-Joseph Les Capelets 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
The inky purple-colored 2015 Saint Joseph les Capelets from this larger Gigondas negociant was brought up in a mix of two-year-old barrels and larger oak casks. It has a beautiful, fruit forward and medium to full-bodied style to go with classic notes of crushed violets, smoked earth and ample black and blue fruits. It’s a downright classy, elegant, seamless beauty that will shine with a few years of bottle age.
89-92/100
Wine Advocate
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
The 2015 Vacqueyras la Grangelière is a forward, rounded, yet still elegant effort that has lots of strawberry, spice box and Provencal garrigue aromas and flavors. made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it will be ready to go right out of the gate.
89-91/100
Wine Advocate
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
Offering lots of blueberry, blackberry, lavender and peppery herbs, the 2015 Cairanne les Hautes Rives (60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre and the balance Syarh) is mediumbodied, silky and polished on the palate, with considerable charm and purity. Bourght up all in stainless steel, it’s not going to make old bones, but it packs plenty of fruit.
89-91/100
Wine Advocate
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
The 2015 Cairanne les Hautes Rives Blanc is a fresh, elegant white that, while a touch tight and closed, offers classy notes of buttered citrus, white flowers and hint of pineapple. Give this medium-bodied, impeccably balanced beauty six months or so of bottle age and drink it over the following year or two. The blend is 70% Clairette and 30% Roussane, and it’s a solid value well worth checking out.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Côtes du Rhône Domaine Grand Romane 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
Another outstanding white is the 2015 CDR Domaine Grand Romane Blanc, which is 100% Clairette that comes from higher elevation limestone soils. Notes of white peach, marmalade and citrus blossom, with integrated oak, all emerge from this medium-bodied, impeccably balanced, classy white that’s a steal at the price.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
The 2015 CDR Roulepierre offers juicy, jammy notes of ripe black cherries, licorice and pepper in a medium-bodied, pleasure-bent, balanced style.
88-90/100
Wine Advocate
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck 12/2016
Readers looking for a terrific value from the Southern Rhone should check out the 2015 CDR Grande Réserve. Made from a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah, it has terrific Provencal character as well as lots of black cherry and blackberry fruits, spice and leather aromatics, medium-bodied richness and a silky texture. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years.
88-90/100
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2015
By James Molesworth – 04/2017
Solid, with a juicy core of cherry and plum preserves, guided by graphite threads. Light tea hints run through the finish. Drink now through 2019.
84/100
Wine Spectator
Chateauneuf du Pape La Paillousse 2015
By James Molesworth – 07/2017
A light flash of herb leads off, followed by kirsch, blood orange, rooibos tea and singed cedar notes. Everything moves in unison through the elegant, focused finish. Drink now through 2025.
89/100
Vinous Media
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2015
By Josh Raynolds
(raised in a 50/50 combination of concrete tanks and used oak barrels) Bright violet. Dark berry and floral notes on the fragrant nose, along with suggestions of licorice and garrigue. Smooth and fleshy in th mouth, offering gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors plus a hint of candied flowers. Closes on a smoky note, showing very good persistence and dusty, building tannins that add shape and firming grip.
90-91/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By Josh Raynolds
Full ruby. Potent, spice-tinged aromas of raspberry liqueur and potpourri pick up a smoky mineral accent with aeration. Deeply concentrated red fruit and floral pastille flavors take a darker turn as the wine opens up, developing licorice and cola nuances and a hints of cassis. Closes smooth, sweet and very long, showing resonating floral character and gentle tannic grip.
91-93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2014
By Josh Raynolds
Deep red. Vibrant fruit, garrigue and floral scents are complicates by hints of smoky minerals and cracked pepper. Juicy raspberry and red currant flavors stretch out slowly and put on weight with air while maintaining vivacity. Closes very long and spicy, with building sweetness and dusty tannins that make a late appearance.
91/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2014
By Josh Raynolds
Vivid ruby-red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes blackberry, licorice, incense and lavender. Deep, sweet and velvety, offering sappy black and blue fruit flavors, a touch of candied flowers and building spiciness. Finishes with good vivacity and strong, spice-driven persistence.
91/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2014
By Josh Raynolds
Deep red. Intensely perfumed raspberry, cherry and spicecake scents are complemented by hints of pungent flowers and chalky mineral. Round, concentrated bitter cherry, red berry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors show impressive energy, and a spine of minerality adds definition and vibrant lift. Finishes minerally and very long, leaving sweet red fruit and floral notes behind.
92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
Notes of ripe cherries, bay leaf, peppercorns and dried earth emerge from the 2016 Gigondas Romane Machotte, and this medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2016 has terrific purity and ripe, yet certainly present, tannin. This cuvee is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged in foudre and barrels, and it?s always an impressive, well-made, thoroughly enjoyable Gigondas, and this 2016 appears to be no exception.
90-92/100
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane
By Jeb Dunnuck
L?échantillon de Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016 dégusté a été prélevé sur fût. Il offre déjà des notes complexes de framboises noires, de laurier et des notes de garrigue suave, une richesse charnue et un style équilibré et texturé en bouche. Assemblage de 65% de Grenache, 15% de Syrah et 20% de Mourvèdre, issu de sols argilo-calcaires, il a passé 18 mois en foudres de chêne pour 40%, le reste en barriques, une petite partie étant neuve.
90-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
Coming from the tiny village of Vacqueyras, the 2016 Vacqueyras La Grangelière (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) was bottled early to preserve as much fruit as possible and it?s a pretty, medium-bodied, incredibly charming 2016 that offers terrific notes of spice, incense, red and black fruits, and some dried, peppery herb nuances. It?s a terrific value and ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years.
90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
As to the reds, these all showed beautifully, and this is an estate the consistently puts out high-quality wines at good prices. Notes of violets, black raspberries, hard candy and fruitcake emerge from the 2016 Cairanne Les Hautes Rives, and moderate tannin on the finish. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, from hillside parcels, aged in tank.
87/100
JebDunnuck.com
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives white 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
Looking first at the single white from Pierre Amadieu, the 2016 Cairanne Blanc Les Hautes Rives offers ample white peach, toasted bread, honeysuckle and a hint of minerality, and it?s medium-bodied, nicely textured and balanced, with a great finish. Made from a barrel fermented blend of 50% Clairette, 30% Grenache Blanc and 20% Roussane, it?s going to shine on the dinner table, and age gracefully.
90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck
Another charmer is the 2015 Gigondas Romane-Machotte, which is an 80/20 split of Grenache and Syrah, from the La Machotte lieu-dit located between 260-400 meters in elevation. Aged 12 months in equal parts larger oak casks and older barrels, it offers ample notes of blueberries, strawberries, leafy herbs and pepper. With medium-bodied richness, a rounded, supple, fruit forward style, and solid length, drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
89/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2015
By Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the 2015s, the 2015 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is flat-out terrific, with lots of black raspberries, cherries, garrique, and saddle leather aromas and flavors. This rounded, opulent and supple beauty makes the most of the vintage and has a beautiful fruit, sweet tannin, and integrated acidity. Bravo.
92/100
Wine Spectator
Saint-Joseph Les Capelets 2015
By James Molesworth
This delivers a gorgeous, mouthfilling beam of crushed plum, boysenberry and fig fruit, backed by broad waves of
graphite and tobacco. Dense but defined, with the beautiful fruit profile of the vintage. Best from 2020 through 2030. 2,000 cases made.
92/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2015
By James Molesworth
Dark plum and raspberry paste flavors are at the core of this solidly built red, backed by singed alder, licorice root and tar hints through the finish. Shows some heft, but there’s good energy to match. Best from 2018 through 2025. 8,000 cases made.
91/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By James Molesworth
Fleshy and focused, with flavors of crushed plum and cherry preserves inlaid with light alder and tobacco accents. Shows a light tug of earth through the finish. Drink now through 2023. 6,500 cases made.
90/100
Wine Advocate
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2015
By Joe Czerwinski
An ambitious, oaky bottling, the 2015 Vinsobres Les Piallats from Pierre Amadieu is inky in color and loaded with cedar and vanilla aromas. It’s rich, full-bodied and velvety in texture, but the black cherry fruit is largely submerged under a heap of lumber. No doubt it will have broad appeal.
87/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
Even Amadieu’s entry-level 2016 Gigondas Romane Machotte is looking good. This Grenache and Syrah blend, aged in a combination of foudres and used barriques, is less concentrated than the other bottlings, but it’s still ripe, supple and harmonious, blending hints of dried herbs with ripe cherries and stone fruit.
90-92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
A step below the Le Pas de l’Aigle but still looking terrific, the 2016 Gigondas Domaine Grande Romane is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that will stay in a mix of new (30%) and used barriques for another six months. It’s not showing any big oak influence at this point, displaying hints of garrigue and ripe stone fruit, a full-bodied, supple mouthfeel and some warm, chocolaty notes on the finish.
91-93/100
Wine Advocate
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
Not that concentrated but creamy-textured and easy to drink, Pierre Amadieu’s 2016 Vacqueyras la Grangeliere is a successful effort, offering hintsof garrigue, ripe mixed berries and some attractive licorice notes on the finish. Drink it over the next 5 years.
89/100
Wine Advocate
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
The 2016 Cairanne les Hautes Rives represents another terrific value from this underrated appellation. It’s full-bodied, creamy and rich but not heavy, with peppery nuances dusted over a core of black cherries and plums. It finishes long and velvety.
90/100
Wine Spectator
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2015
By James Molesworth
Stylish, with lightly mulled cherry and plum fruit caressed by silky tannins and backed by rooibos tea and incense notes on the finish. Sneakily long. Drink now through 2019.
90/100
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Full red robe. The bouquet has a savoury nature, is filled with red fruits, close to strawberry, with an oak-toffee element. It?s very primary, young. The palate rolls with spiced red fruits that have good clarity, and takes on quite thick, ripe tannins, oak again appearing as a sweet contributor as it closes. The fruit here is tasty, the content nicely wavy, fleshy, and once it is all fused, this will be an attractive Gigondas.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2016
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Pale pink, a touch of onion skin. The nose is soft, mixes rose petals with strawberry fruit. The palate holds red fruits with a surprising, near lactic manner in the flavour, almost soap suds. It?s a creamy version of Gigondas rosé. I?d like more snap. Tasted blind. I see subsequently that it has been in oak.
* * (*)
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Dark red robe. The nose gives a good sweep of raspberry-mulberry fruit, has a sweet herbs, savoury aspect, rosemary present. Thee Grenache rules it well, and there is some spicing as well. The palate is stylish, bears free running, smooth content with perky red fruits that finish precisely. This has better definition than many this year, is an airborne wine with a good foundation of nicely compact matter. There is an aromatic, perfumed twist on the spiced close, with a breeze of menthol to keep it on the up. Good, typical Gigondas here, and it will well thanks to its freshness.
* * * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2016
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Dark red. There is a cherry fruit warmth on the nose, with an air of dusty trails, Morello cherry present. The palate holds measured, rather stylish content, is supple, the tannins likewise. There is a red fruit display at first. It?s going to be an early drinker, an honest glass of Vacqueyras with some cool late features.
* * * (*)
Wine Spectator
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2016
By James Molesworth
Ripe and streamlined, with a beam of cherry and raspberry puree flanked by light anise and vanilla notes. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2019. 3,500 cases made.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2016
By James Molesworth
Lovely flavors of raspberry puree are inlaid with warm anise, black tea and singed sandalwood notes. Silky and perfumy through the finish. Drink now through 2023
92/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Josh Raynolds
Brilliant ruby. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, cherry pit and a succulent herbs and takes on a faintly amaro-like or even medicinal quality with air. Densely packed and sharply focused on the palate, offering intense cherry liqueur and black raspberry flavors that spread out and become sweeter on the back half. Lingers with strong authority on a youthfully tannic finish that echoes the medicinal cherry note.
90-92/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By Josh Raynolds
Vivid ruby. Potent dark berry, potpourri and garrique aromas are complemented by peppery spice and mineral nuances and a hint of smokiness. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering nicely concentrated yet lively dark fruit, spice cake and floral pastille flavors and a touch of licorice. Smoothly blends richness and energy and finishes spicy, focused and long, with pliant tannins adding shape and grip.
91-93/100
Vinous Media
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2016
By Josh Raynolds
Lurid ruby-red. Potent, mineral-accented raspberry liqueur and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of incense, vanilla and exotic flowers. Velvety in texture and impressively concentrated, offering sweet red berry and cherry preserve flavors that are lifted by a spine of juicy and spicy snap of white pepper. Plush yet energetic in style, finishing on an emphatic floral note, with excellent clarity and harmonious tannins that build slowly.
92-94/100
Vintages
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2015
By Jason Solanki
To celebrate France’s World Cup win, tonight’s red wine is from the fantastic 2015 Rhône vintage that will be arriving in LCBO VINTAGES on July 21. [?] This particular wine comes from the Hautes Rives vineyards that are located on marl soils covered with pebble stones on the hillside slopes above the village of Cairanne, 200 metres above sea level. The vineyards are bordered by cliffs overlooking the Aygues River.
A blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah raised completely in stainless steel tanks. Plummy, black cherry and blackberry aromas from the cork. In the glass, this has enticing aromas of smoke, dark berry, and spice with savoury elements and hints of pepper, garrigue, and forest floor. It’s medium-bodied with fine purity of fruit – lavender, pepper, dark berry/cherry, and spice flavours. Nicely textured with juicy, vibrant acids and smooth, refined tannins. Some mineral and smoky notes arrive on the long blackberry-pepper finish. Lovely wine to enjoy over the next 3-4 years.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Roulepierre red 2016
By James Molesworth
Bright cherry compote and red licorice notes are juicy and direct, with a flash of lavender on the finish. Drink now.
87/100
Wine Spectator
Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve 2016
By James Molesworth
Ripe and juicy, with a beam of black cherry and plum compote flavors driving atop a graphite spine. Reveals a flash of tobacco on the finish. Drink now through 2019.
90/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2014
By James Molesworth
A sleek and racy style, featuring hints of savory, tobacco and bay leaf along the edges of a core of lightly mulled plum and black cherry fruit. Shows singed cedar accents on the finish, with the tobacco note lingering longest. Drink now through 2025.
91/100
JebDunnuck.com
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck
Based on 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2017 Vacqueyras La Grangelière will be a terrific value, and this cuvée almost always delivers the goods. Notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, violets, and garrigue all dominate the bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and layered on the palate, with the sweet fruit of the vintage front and center, it?s going to be ideal for drinking over the coming 4-6 years.
89-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck
The flagship from Amadieu is the 2017 Gigondas Le Pas De L’Aigle, which is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah sourced from a higher elevation (400 meters), northwest facing parcel of 65-yearold vines. It?s aged two years in cask and held for a year in bottle before release. Deep purple colored, with a ripe, forward bouquet of blackberries, smoked earth, and cedary spice, this beauty has considerable elegance, medium to full body, fine tannins, and a great finish.
92-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck
The 2017 Gigondas Romane Machotte (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) offers a pretty, red fruited profile with subtle licorice, spice, and floral notes developing with time in the glass. It?s another medium to full-bodied, elegant, seamless wine from this estate, which looks to have hit a home run in 2017.
90-92/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Jeb Dunnuck
I was shocked at the quality of the 2017 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane. This blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah offers impressive notes of black cherries, licorice, white pepper, and earthy garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and concentrated, this is one gorgeous looking barrel sample.
92-94/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Gigondas Romane Machotte is an 80/20 split of Grenache and Syrah that spent 12 months in casks and barrels. It’s slightly more elegant and lightly textured, with pretty red and black fruits, ground pepper, and some sappy flower aromas and flavors. With medium-bodied richness, fine tannin, and good acidity, drink it over the coming 5-6 years.
90/100
JebDunnuck.com
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah, brought up 18 months in 30% new barrels and the balance in foudre. Garrigue, sweet red fruits, crushed flowers, and white pepper notes all give way to a charming, balanced, impeccably made 2016 that will drink well for 6-7 years.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2014
By Joe Czerwinski
A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah that spent two years in barrel, the 2014 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle shows plenty of vanilla and cedar on the nose and some woody tannins on the palate, but those should resolve with short-term cellaring. It’s medium to full-bodied, with decent concentration, attractive cherry fruit and a firm finish that should start to soften within a few years.
91/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2015
By Joe Czerwinski
Amadieu’s 2015 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle is a chewy, tannic blend of 90%Grenache and 10% Syrah that should start to soften in another couple of years. Cherries and dusty earth notes mingle easily on the nose and palate, lingering on the finish.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2017
By Joe Czerwinski
Plush, soft and round, the 2017 Gigondas Romane Machotte Rose sees a bit of barrel-aging. Crushed stone and peach notes lead the way, followed by a medium to full-bodied wine that would be best used as a light red wine, with just a cellar-temperature chill.
88/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
The 2016 Gigondas Romane Machotte is a terrific effort, offering up darkfruited notes of cola, dried spices and cracked pepper. The blend is 80-20 Grenache and Syrah, with the aging taking place in oak of varying sizes. It’s fullbodied and creamy in texture through the mid-palate, while picking up intriguing notes of mocha and baking spices on the long finish.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By Joe Czerwinski
A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 15% Syrah from vineyards at about 400 meters above sea level, Amadieu’s 2016 Gigondas Domaine Grande Romane spent 18 months in barrels and foudres. It’s full-bodied, creamy and lush, with plenty of ripe, supple fruit and hints of chocolate, leather and spice, finishing rich, easy and long.
92/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Joe Czerwinski
The full-bodied, concentrated 2017 Gigondas Romane Machotte is dense and velvety, with plenty of black cherry fruit, mocha accents and hints of garrigue. An 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it picks up pepper and licorice notes on the finish.
92-94/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Joe Czerwinski
A flashy sample for sure, the 2017 Gigondas Domaine Grande Romane boasts hints of roses and purple raspberries. Full-bodied, creamy and supple, this blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah firms up on the finish, showing considerable aging potential.
92-94/100
Wine Advocate
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Joe Czerwinski
The 2017 Gigondas le Pas de l’Aigle, a 90-10 Grenache-Syrah blend from near the top of the appellation, will spend another year or so in oak, but for now, it’s an incredible whirlwind of fruit, swirling together raspberries and blueberries in a fun, supple but full-bodied wine.
92-94/100
Wine Advocate
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2017
By Joe Czerwinski
Just deliciously gulpable, Amadieu’s 2017 Vacqueyras la Grangeliere is an 80-20 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Subtle garrigue notes join red berries in this fullbodied yet supple beauty that’s already great fun to drink. Drink it over the next 4-5 years
90/100
Wine Spectator
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2015
By James Molesworth
Offers a mix of red and black currant fruit, lined with racy singed mesquite, black tea and tobacco notes. Shows a subtle mineral echo on the finish. Drink now through 2020.
90/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
Opulent and ripe, this full-bodied red is packed with fleshy black cherry and plum flavors. It’s an open-knit, easy wine but freshened by hints of bramble and crushed mineral freshness. Ripe, sinewy tannins accentuate its supple, yielding mouthfeel. It’s ready to drink now but should hold well through 2026.
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2016
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
There’s a deeply satisfying interplay of texture in this robust yet elegant wine. Its black plum and berry flavors are concentrated and plump but anchored by brisk acidity and firm, finegrained tannins. It’s rolling and rich yet full of tension and vibe. Drinks well already but couldgain complexity through 2026 and hold a few years further.
94/100
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By Richard Hemming
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Dense black fruit, fine tannins, full body that leaves a chunky, chewy impression on the palate. Requires some time to unfurl so that the compact fruit might become more expressive.
16,5/20
Wine Enthusiast
Vinsobres Les Piallats 2015
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
Dried rose petal, anise and pepper accent luscious black-fruit notes in this ripe, concentrated wine. Sourced from high-altitude fruit grown on a slightly eastern exposure, it offers welcome freshness on the midpalate, lending structure along with firm, dense tannins. A bold, powerful wine with a touch of heat on the finish, it will drink well through 2024.
89/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2014
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
This blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah juxtaposes a core of ripe, roasted black-plum and black-cherry flavors against approaching maturity notes of baked meat, leather and soy sauce. It?s a spicy, lushly textured wine that finishes on soft, ripe tannins and a whisper of heat. Enjoy now.
88/100
JebDunnuck.com
Saint-Joseph Les Capelets 2016
By Jeb Dunnuck
The 2016 Saint Joseph Les Capelets from Amadieu is a charmer, with pretty red and black fruits, hints of violets, pepper, and lavender, medium body, and a light yet juicy texture. It?s not going to make old bones but offers ample pleasure.
88/100
Jancis Robinson
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2017
By Richard Hemming
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Ripe, fragrant red fruit that captures the full ripeness of Grenache. Smooth texture with significant warmth on the finish.
16/20
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Sound, quite full red robe; there?s a lead air of crushed pistachio nutshells, an inlay of stylish raspberry fruit, a vegetal connection on the nose. The palate holds savoury, content, a willing raspberry coulis or jam flavour which persists well, with clarity on the finish. It collects some of the cool features of Gigondas, and the smooth texture reminds me of a wine from sandy soils. This is promising, elegant, aromatic.
****
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Robe sombre et brillante ; le bouquet aux accents méridionaux, porte des arômes encore réservés de fruits rouges, de grillé, de fumé, et d’herbes douces. C’est puissant, tout comme l’attaque, qui s’enflamme autour d’arômes de noyaux de cerise. C’est un Gigondas vigoureux et stimulant, plus pour déguster que pour boire à grandes gorgées. La finale possède des notes minérales.
* * * (*)
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte rosé 2017
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Red tinted robe, Tavel-esque. Good serenity and clear red fruit on the nose, which carries garrigue herbs, some spicing. The palate is agreeably full, smoothly textured, elegant, offers redcurrant fruits with a good tone, a good, upbeat delivery. This will be great with lamb cutlets.
* * * *
Drink Rhone
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2017
By John Livingstone Learmonth
Dark red. Pine, oak lurk on a reserved nose, carries a note of ripe, shiny blackberry, its depth assured. The palate also reflects pine oak along its sides, has a generous middle with appealing black berry content at its heart. The tannins add a little edge to the finish. This can get together well, will be a 2017 of stature. It moves with likeable energy, the fruit sparkling.
* * * * (*)
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Le Pas de L’Aigle 2017
By Richard Hemming
90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Excellent red-fruit ripeness with a cranberry and redcurrant character and complementary herby notes. Pure, vivid and expressive ? a real glassful of pleasure. The tannins are still very furry, but that will soften and there is great potential for further complexity. Warm alcohol but it matches the flavour intensity. Drink 2021-2031
17/20
Jancis Robinson
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2017
By Richard Hemming
65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Succulent, ripe red fruit with juicy freshness on the palate. Very breezy for the southern Rhône in 2017, which is great for drinkability. Not complex, but has a savoury and appetising finish.
16.5/20
Vinous Media
Vacqueyras La Grangelière 2016
By Josh Raynolds
Lurid violet color. Powerful cherry and black raspberry aromas are complemented by hints of licorice pastille, cola and potpourri. Broad and fleshy on the palate, offering appealing sweet red and dark fruit and spicecake flavors and an intense floral quality. Tightens up slowly and becomes spicier on the finish, which clings with impressive tenacity and smooth, even tannins.
92/100
Meiningers Weinwelt
Chateauneuf du Pape La Paillousse 2016
By Michael Hornickel
Open fruit with a noble-animalic note, cool herbal spice, pepper, tobacco, looks slender and freshly acidic, rather rough than charming, but thrilling.
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Cairanne Les Hautes Rives red 2016
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
Intensely ripe blackberry and cherry flavors are slightly muted in this plush, juicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It’s a rounded but pertly balanced wine, with a fine-grained grip of tannins on the finish. Enjoy now -2022.
89/100
Wine Spectator
Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane 2016
By James Molesworth
Fresh and pure, with a pretty beam of raspberry and plum coulis flavors laced with black tea, cinnamon and mineral notes. The silky finish has a lot of charm Drink now through 2021.
91/100
Wine Enthusiast
Gigondas Romane Machotte 2015
By Anna Lee C. Iijima
Elegant shards of granite and crushed mineral lend freshness to plump, juicy mulberry and plum in this wine. A deeply fruity, full-bodied blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, its plushness is framed by soft, easy tannins and a lingering cling of black fruit. It’s an approachable yet satisfying wine neatly balancing fruit and earth, to enjoy now through 2023.
91/100
