2010 Gigondas Terrasse du Diable

Slightly superior, revealing more minerality and a subtle, incremental building of flavor intensity, the 2010 Gigondas Terrasse du Diable offers lots of black raspberry, kirsch and floral characteristics along with an undeniable crushed rock minerality. Medium to full-bodied and elegant as well as impressively built, rich, pure and beautifully balanced, it can be enjoyed now and over the next 15 years. Les Pallieres, one of the iconic estates of Gigondas, is now owned (and has been reinvigorated) by the partnership of Vieux Telegraphe’s Daniel Brunier and the well-known American boutique wine importer, Kermit Lynch. Brunier and Lynch have done a fabulous job turning this estate around, and they continue to fine tune what is a complicated, cool climate, high altitude property where the harvest is usually two to three weeks after that of Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf du Pape. As for the red wines, both of the cuvees produced are approximately 80% Grenache, with the Terrasse du Diable coming from vineyards planted at 300-900 meters and Les Racines from lower slopes where there is more clay and less decomposed limestone. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

A rocking Gigondas that’s perfumed and complex, the 2010 Terrasse du Diable is comprised of 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Clairette that’s aged both in tank and foudre. Showing copious amounts of sweet red and black fruits, licorice, spice, and serious minerality, it is medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant on the palate, with sweet tannin. It’s already approachable, yet will evolve gracefully for over a decade.

Vivid red. Fresh raspberry and floral aromas show impressive purity and energy. Bright, racy and focused on the palate, displaying powerful red berry and cherry flavors and hints of succulent herbs. A suave candied lavender note builds with air and carries through the red fruit-accented finish. I suspect that this wine will be approachable soon after release.