2011Grapillon2011 Domaine du Gapillon D’Or 1806, Gigondas, Rhone Valley Red, France.
The Chauvet family’s Grapillon D’Or estate is one of the classic properties of Gigondas, and it is an old school wine of great character and rustic charms. I’ve been a fan of this wine since the late nineties and have almost never been disappointed with this lovely and spicy style Gigondas, and this 2011 is a super example of why we love old world Grenache with loads of pepper, earth and dusty stones adding to the sweet fruit essence. The 2011 Domaine Grapillon D’Or 1806 starts with dried flowers, game, raspberry, chalk rock and cracked peppercorn with a deep garnet/red color and framboise note, leading to a sweet and savory palate of boysenberry, spiced plum, strawberry, pomegranate and cherry jellies along with licorice, lavender, all spice/herbs and gravel with touches of saline and grilled meat. Everything unfolds in a pleasing manner and there is no hint of wood, and the balance of earth, spice and fruit is near perfect, this is delicious Rhone red wine. This classy and stylish Gigondas, coming in at 14.5% from 2011’s ripe vintage is not overly polished or refined, but still does everything you’d want and maybe a bit more, drink over the next few years, best from 2014 to 2018. I was glad to recapture some fond memories and taste the latest from Grapillon, founded in 1806, as the new label plainly states now, and it is great to see this long time champion of traditional style Gigondas remaining faithful and of great quality, this is really interesting old school Grenache that beats expectations.
($30 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive

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