When: 31 May 2015
Who: M. Chapoutier
Where: Gigondas AC (Southern Rhone/France)
What: Hard to say, the Rhone is a minefield of regulatory variation, however Gigondas is all about Grenache + Shiraz(?) + Mourvedre(?) + Cinsault (?)
With: Beef casserole, potatoes, parsnip, carrots and beans floating in ½ a bottle of Langhorne Creek Shiraz (somewhat reduced by the end though)
The Wine:
Medium garnet in colour, some pungency, red currant, red plum, bramble, prunes and a slightly meaty character indicating some subtle development. A hint of oak but not of significance. A dry palate supported by fine-grained tannins, high alcohol (we’ll come back to this), a medium to full body. A palate of prunes, black plums and cooked blackberry backed up with good length.
For a region known (at times) for a rustic approach to winemaking I believe there is a refined balance here between the old world and modern structure. The tannin structure and fruit depth artfully disguise the alcohol and ripeness. Another half hour in the vineyard may have seen cooked become stewed in what was an excellent year for the Southern Rhone.
In summary:
Loved it!! Consumed during Geelong v West Coast and despite a Geelong loss my exuberance was maintained. Went magnificently with the casserole but stood up on its own. A great example of modern Rhone winemaking that nod’s to the past.