2009 Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits

Very dark crimson. On the way to oxidation. Too much for me! Though there are some herby, and jammy, notes. Very dry finish. (JR)

(75% grenache, 15% syrah and 5% each of mourvedre and cinsault): Glass-staining ruby. Vibrant raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by Asian spices and candied lavender. On the palate, sweet black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors are energized by white pepper and spice nuances. The long, gently chewy finish features fine-grained tannins and lingering florality.

Matching the ’07 in terms of quality and another fantastic effort by this producer, the 2009 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas (75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsualt aged all in foudre) displays a burly, masculine profile with savory black fruits, licorice, iron, and crushed stone aromatics. This becomes more and more impressive with air, picking up a beautiful sweetness that tames some to burly nature. Medium to full-bodied on the palate with a traditional, focused feel, superb fruit, and a long, structured finish, this impressive Gigondas should shine for 8-10 years. As with the ’07, this is a rocking value that should be a no brainer case purchase.