2018 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Gigondas Le Lieu Dit (100% Grenache, grown on sand) is a profound success, boasting subtle garrigue aromas that lend layers of complexity to the bold black cherry and raspberry fruit. It's not overly dark in the glass, but seduces with its perfume and silken touch. Full-bodied, but supple and charming, this is a top-notch effort, capped off by a long, mouthwatering finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
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Coming from a sandy parcel just beside the winery and all old-vine Grenache, the 2018 Gigondas Le Lieu-Dit makes the most of this vintage and is a classic example of this cooler terroir. Gorgeous notes of kirsch liqueur, rose petals, strawberries, spring flowers, toasted spices, and peppery herbs all give way to a full-bodied, beautifully textured, elegant Gigondas that has a wonderful sense of finesse, classic southern Rhône power and richness, flawless balance, and a great finish. It’s one of the wines of the vintage. While it’s not the biggest wine in the lineup, it has incredible finesse and elegance. The young Julien Brechet continues to keep this estate in the top tier of producers, not only in Gigondas, but in the entire Southern Rhône. His 2018s show the more supple, elegant style of the vintage yet still bring ample richness and depth. These are seamless, Provençal, incredibly sexy wines to enjoy over the coming decade or so. The 2019s are slightly deeper, richer wines yet still show beautiful purity and elegance. In addition to the quality, these wines show singular character and are just a joy to taste through.
100% Grenache. Aged for 18 months in concrete and old oak. Tank sample. Tasted blind. Fleshy red fruit with excellent ripeness and a sophisticated herbal complexity on the palate, finishing with dry, savoury spice. Delivers full flavour without over-extraction, although the finish has noticeable heat. (RH)