2009 Gigondas Les Racines
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Tasting notes
(80% grenache, 15% syrah and cinsault, and 5% clairette, from vines that were reportedly planted in the late 1940s): Deep ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, cassis and musky herbs. Ripe and smooth in texture but surprisingly lively, offering juicy dark fruit flavors and notes of spicecake and anise. Shows no rough edges on the sappy, spicy, very long finish. I also had the chance to retaste the 2008 Les Racines in December and it has fleshed out and gained sweetness over the past 12 months while retaining its nervy and precise character. It will age nicely over at least the mid-term on its balance; I note that I underestimated it last year.)
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Robert Parker
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Coming from 70-year-old vines on the more drought resistant lower slopes (where there is more clay in the soil) is the 2009 Gigondas Les Racines. Slightly better, with more color, this blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Cinsault and Syrah reveals more complexity in a savage, animal-like manner. Hints of mint, strawberry liqueur, tree bark, porcini mushrooms and kirsch emerge from this complex, concentrated Gigondas. Drink it over the next decade. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
Coming from the lower portions of the vineyard and the estates oldest vines, the 2009 Domaine les Pallières Gigondas Les Racines is more dense and complete than the Terrasse du Diable. A blend of 80% Grenache, 5% Clairette, and the final 15% a mix of Syrah and Cinsault that’s aged in tank, the wine sees a very traditional elevage and possesses a backwards, dense profile of perfectly ripe blackberry and currant characteristics, loads of spice, underbrush, and spring flowers. Medium to full-bodied with a concentrated, firm core, ripe tannin, and a long, chewy finish, this should be given 3-5 years in the cellar, at which point it should age effortlessly for 12 to 15 years.
The deep ruby-hued 2009 Gigondas Les Racines Vieilles Vignes offers a perfumed bouquet of crushed rocks, raspberries, black cherries, currants and hints of garrigue as well as spice box. Velvety-textured, opulent and long, with stunning purity and equilibrium, it should drink well for 10-15 years. (Not yet released) Now that partners Daniel Brunier and Kermit Lynch have gotten a full grasp of this complicated, cool climate terroir, Les Pallieres’ quality has soared. Two cuvees are being produced. The 2009 offerings are just a step behind the estate’s finest wines to date, the 2007s. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524
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Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Syrah / Shiraz
Red
Dry