2009 Domaine de la Colline St. Jean, Gigondas Rhone Red, France. (Alazard Pere et Fils)
This fantastic Gigondas is vivid and textured with great balance and focused flavors, more like what you’d find in 2010 Southern Rhones, so it was a pleasant surprise to find such a gem from 2009. This Domaine was brand new to me, and I can tell you I’ll be keeping a close eye on them from now on, and I’ll personally be drinking this wonderful Gigondas up over the next few years. I was told it was 70-75% Grenache and about 25% Mourvedre and I can believe it, this is a darkly fruited wine with lush layers, spice and solid tannin structure. The Colline St. Jean 2009 Gigondas starts with dried flowers, cassis and blueberry before a full palate of plum, dark berries, grenadine and wild strawberry with garrique, pepper and savory gamey notes. Everything is fresh and remarkable acidity and refined sweet tannins keeps everything under control and heightens all the pleasure in this complex and Chateauneuf like wine. I highly recommend this beauty and while it might be hard to find in certain areas, it is worth searching out.
($32 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

 

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