Gigondas Laurel

Producer Patrick Lesec Selections (Southern Rhône) Region Southern Rhône, France Encepagement 80% Grenache 20% Syrah Elevage Average age of vines is 40 years. 33 hectoliters per hectare. Not destemmed. Aged 10 months: 60% in tank, 30% in foudre, and 10% in two-year-old barrels. Not fined or filtered. Description This small estate (5 hectares) with old vines and low yields, produces dense, ripe, top quality Gigondas. Aromatic and spicy, it has layers of thick, sweet, black fruits and soft, round tannins. Pure, smooth and complex, it will provide great pleasure for at least the next 10 years. Reviews for 2001 Vintage From the Wine Advocate, #145 (Feb 2003): "Points: 90-93. The newest, the 2001 Gigondas Cuvee Laurel, to my taste, is the best of this trio. Aged in 50% tank, 25% wood barrels, and 25% in demi-muids, it is reminiscent of an Yves Gras Gigondas. Its deep ruby/purple color is followed by aromas of blackberries, blueberries, creosote, minerals, and flowers. Full-bodied and ripe, with good underlying acidity, and firm tannin, it should evolve for 10-15 years." © The Wine Advocate Reviews for 2003 Vintage From the Wine Advocate, #156 (Dec 2004): "Points: 90-92. I was also impressed with the 2003 Gigondas Cuvee Laurel (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah). Aged 50% in tank, 25% in demi-muids, and 25% in small barrels, it is an elegant, concentrated, textured effort with the best persistence and length of any of these four cuvees. Loads of sweet kirsch intertwined with mineral, floral, and berry characteristics (a la a top-flight Zinfandel) emerge from this chewy, multidimensional Gigondas. It should drink well for a decade." © The Wine Advocate From the International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb 2006): "Points: 89. Light red. Spicy, bright aromas of cranberry, rhubarb and wild strawberry. Crisp and lively in the mouth, with finely etched red berry and mineral flavors complicated by tangy white pepper and garrigue. Finishes with good length and spicy lift." © International Wine Cellar

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