2017 Domaine de Saint Gens Cuvee de l'Ancien Oratoire (750ml)

Grenache from Gigondas, Rhône, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
Read More

Located at the foot of the white Dentelles de Montmirail mountains in Haut Vaucluse, the Gigondas AOC is quietly known for its bold Grenache-based wines that at their best offer age-worthy structure and exceptional value. Truly an "under the radar wine," the 94pt 2017 Domaine de Saint Gens boasts lush ripe fruit and signature garrigue and spice, with full-bodied tannic structure and tantalizing acidity, an outstanding Gigondas now available at an equally outstanding price.

Part of a Burgundy producing family in the Côte de Nuits, Yves Cheron settled in the Rhône valley in 2004, first acquiring the Domaine du Grand Montmirail in the southeastern part of Gigondas. Building the family's holdings to eight estates in the Southern and Northern Rhone, Cheron acquired more prime vineyards with low yields on hillsides around the Gigondas AOC, with typical red-clay alluvial soils and a Mediterranean climate. A robust blend of 65% Grenache with 35% Syrah, the 2017 Domaine de Saint Gens Gigondas is full bodied and lush, with a mineral backbone ensuring its potential to age.

Often compared to the Grenache-dominated versions of nearby Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Gigondas shows a wilder nuance of earth and woods, an entirely different expression that makes it uniquely identifiable. Balancing those earthy notes with bright fruit and fine minerality, the exceptional 2017 Domaine de Saint Gens Gigondas evokes that sense of place, a complex Grenache-based blend that is hedonistic indeed, now offered at a value price that truly is the icing on the cake.

94WE

93JD

Cool hits of salty mineral juxtapose perfumed notes of clove and cinnamon in this wine. A 65–35 blend of Grenache and Syrah, it's full bodied and packed with juicy plum and cherry flavors. Fiery tannins and a lift of acidity invigorate a long finish. Gobsmacking now, it should improve through 2030.

94 points, Anna Lee C. Iijima, Wine Enthusiast (Sep 2020)

The medium ruby/purple-hued 2017 Gigondas is a beauty that makes the most of the vintage. Provençal notes of dark fruits, ground pepper, garrigue, and spice box as well as a hint of minerality all emerge from this rich, medium to full-bodied, fleshy, ripe Gigondas. It has plenty of tannins, yet everything is beautifully balanced, and it has both richness and elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years or so. This cuvée is 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah that was destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Sep 2019)

Alcohol By Volume: 15.0%

#FRSGGI17AE

$23.98

Compare At: $29.99

Sorry, this item is sold out. To get another recommendation: 888.B21.WINE
service@b-21.com