2017 Bertrand Stehelin Gigondas AOC

WA93 The dark-fruited 2017 Gigondas looks to be another successful vintage for this cuvée. A blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, it’s full-bodied, with rich, ripe tannins, ample concentration, a plush texture and a long, licorice-spiced finish.

JD92 Reductive and closed aromatically, the 2017 Gigondas nevertheless has beautiful depth of fruit and richness on the palate, with medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. A blend of 75% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah, brought up in equal parts concrete tanks and demi-muids, my money is on it being an outstanding wine.

The Stehelin family has been winegrowers for 5 generations. Nicole and Frédéric have been running the Paillère en Pied-Gû estate since 1978. Bertrand, their oldest son, works with them and started his own estate “Bertrand Stehelin” in 2004. He started with 4 acres and gradually expanded his estate.

The vineyard is located northwest of the Dentelles de Montmirail, the vines are between 100 meters and 300 meters above sea level, making the wines fresh and complex. The vines are 70 to 90 years old and the maturation takes 24 months and is done in oak barrels.