DOMAINE DU GOUR DE CHAULE

GIGONDAS "CUVEE TRADITION" 2001

We are often questioned about our habit of introducing wines months and sometimes years after other wines from the same appellations and same vintages have already made their way to the market. Our philosophy has been that we prefer to present our important wines with as much bottle age as possible. In this era when wines are shipped, sold, and consumed when they have barely settled in bottle, we know that we will ultimately have an advantage when we get around to actually placing our wines in commerce. After all, our wines are built to age and it is only with a bit of bottle age that one even gets a hint of the greatness that is present in so many of our wines. And, today, we present a perfect example of the benefits of this approach.

Virtually every producer of Gigondas is now trying to find customers for the dismal 2002 vintage or is shipping the fine and formidably tannic 2003 version. Why suffer with those wines, one diluted by the heavy rains of September (2002), the other ferociously and youthfully ornery?

We are just now introducing the rather extraordinary Gigondas "Cuvee Tradition" 2001 from the DOMAINE DU GOUR DE CHAULE. Aline Bonfils, the proprietor-vigneronne has been a steady sailor in all types of weather. We have never been disappointed by her wines, whether we are drinking her vibrant, pink RosÈ, her spicy Cotes du Rhone, and, certainly and most importantly her Gigondas. To give you a small hint of her attitude, we note that we will not be asking you to purchase her 2002 Gigondas because she decided it was not substantial enough to bottle; so, she sold her entire production in bulk.

As usual, Aline's Gigondas ages in large foudre and in cuve for 30 months before bottling. This beautiful cuvee is built on the back of Grenache ... 90% plus ... and from old vines to boot (45 years plus average age). This is a traditionally made wine that speaks from the heart of the appellation. No fruit bomb just subtle notes of red fruits, oriental spices (most particularly crushed white pepper), and exquisite tannins that are grainy, dusty, and oh so sweetly seductive. As a testament to the esteem in which we hold this Gigondas, I note that we have virtually every vintage in our personal cellar since the 1980, the first of the wines we purchased from this tiny gem of an estate.

The 2001 will arrive in our warehouse at the end of April / beginning of May.

In case you need another opinion, below please see the Tanzer review of Jan/Feb of last year.