2008 Domaine Les Pallieres Gigondas Terrasse du Diable
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Tasting notes
From the upper portions of the estate’s vineyards (the Les Racines is from the lower slopes), the 2008 Domaine les Pallières Gigondas Terrasse du Diable is an edgy, mineral-driven ’08 that possesses loads of crunchy, sappy red fruits, underbrush, and licorice that are elevated by the wine’s underlying core of crushed stone and wet slate like aromas and flavors. Beautiful on the palate, with medium+ body, a dense, energetic core of fruit, notable purity, and a classically styled finish, this is more about structure and focus than flesh. It improves with air, and I’m a big fan of the profile here. It should evolve gracefully for 2-4 years, and most likely drink well for a decade or a little longer. Very well done.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
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NB older vintage. Fresh and lively and sweet. Very beguiling. Great balance. More appetising than the 2009! (JR)
The 2008 Gigondas Les Terraces de Diable (80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre and 5% Clairette, from 40-year-old vines planted at 200 to 400 foot elevation) is a medium ruby-colored effort displaying elegant, Pinot Noir-like notes of bay leaf, strawberries, forest floor and black cherries. Peppery, spicy and well-made in a very difficult vintage for Gigondas, it should drink well for 4-6 years. 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
Dark red. Brighter and stonier than the Racines , with scents of strawberry, redcurrant and Asian spices underscored by dusty minerals. Racy, finely etched red fruit flavors stain the palate without showing any excess weight or rough edges. With a late note of succulent herbs, this is already showing good complexity, but this taut, well-balanced wine will be even better with a few years of bottle aging.