Tasting Notes
The story
I have been looking for a Gigondas for some time as they can represent good value compared to neighbouring Châteauneuf du Pape. Gigondas is another 'cru' from the southern Rhône, the region's top level of wine, and this wine is a typical blend of Grenache and Syrah or Shiraz, though unusually this 50:50 mix has more Syrah than many other producers use. Grenache brings rich fruit and structure, Syrah elegance and perfume.
Domaine des Pasquiers has been in the Lambert family for three generations and is now run by brothers Jean-Claude and Philippe. Their Gigondas vineyard is a small 1.10 hectares in size.
Read about the Rhône crus and other appellations in
my Rhône red wines blogpost.
The wine
This is a lovely perfumed wine; on the nose red and black fruits, hints of chocolate, truffles and warm spices. The palate does not disappoint with complex and concentrated flavours of ripe sweet fruits - raspberry, strawberry, blueberry - and spices plus that Rhône-typical herby characterthat evokes the local scrubland or 'garrigue'. Tannins are muted and soft for such a complex medium-bodied wine which brings a certain elegance. There is a long, complex finish; this is a fabulous Rhône wine.
Food Pairing
Drink with chicken, turkey, red meats (grilled, roasted or barbecued) especially lamb, game etc. Avoid serving it with very spicy foods as that could clash with its own spicy characteristics. The producer recommends lamb with thyme to match the herbaceous notes in this wine from the fragrant scrubland or garrigue.
Producer's Notes
Translated "A dense crimson colour for this complex wine with notes of jammy black cherries, white pepper and the 'garrigue'. In the mouth, a beautiful structure, a range of fruit, tannins are present, the final is long and spicy".
Awards
94 points RobertParker.com Oct 2017
"Domaine des Pasquiers has fashioned a 2016 Gigondas that's capable of embarrassing many Châteauneufs. It starts off with some tarry, cola scents, then reveals supremely ripe red raspberries on the full-bodied, supple palate. With its firm tannins and acids, it should prove reasonably long-lived, despite being almost approachable now."
92 Points Wine Enthusiast Dec 2018
"Savory notes of crushed earth, bramble and dried mushroom juxtapose sun-kissed plum and berry in this opulent blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah. It's plump and fleshy on the palate but anchored by firm, lingering tannins and a fresh mineral finish. Powerful yet stately, it should improve through 2030."
