2017 Gigondas Le Plateau Domaine des Bosquets

The 2017 Gigondas Le Plateau is another unusual blend for a Gigondas and is all Mourvèdre that was not destemmed and was aged in three older demi-muids. It has thrilling blue fruits, crushed violets, exotic flowers, and peppery notes that develop with time in the glass. These carry to a full-bodied Gigondas that packs serious fruit, texture, and tannins while staying perfectly balanced and elegant. It's a thrilling wine and up with the top releases from the Southern Rhône. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.

Only two demi-muids of the Mourvèdre-based 2017 Gigondas Le Plateau were produced. That's a shame, as it boasts amazing perfumes of licorice, roses and strawberries. It's full-bodied in the mouth, with ample concentration and a rich mouthfeel, adding notes of sous-bois and even more red fruit. Remarkable stuff that's becoming a cult favorite. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

Red A bit grippier than most in the vintage, with lively black currant and blackberry fruit, liberally mixed with savory, sage, alder and licorice root notes. Shows good energy through the finish. Very solid. Best from 2021 through 2035.

This atypical Gigondas was made from 100% Mourvedre sourced from a single vineyard of marl and limestone soils. Lavishly perfumed, it wafts of rose petals, violet and anise. The palate extends on plush layers of plum and cherry gripped by fine, sandpapery tannins. Approachable in its youth, the wine should improve through 2030. European Cellars. -A.I.