Domaine La Font de Notre Dame, Gigondas, le Mas 2018
Appellation: Gigondas
Region: Southern Rhône
Country: France
Color: Red
Varietal(s):
About The Producer
Domaine La Font de Notre Dame, situated in the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail, is a family Estate managed and run by the Roux family. In 2016 Jean-Pierre Roux handed the reins over to his sons, Frédéric and Boris, who continue to impress us with their commitment to bringing us the beauty of their terroirs in a bottle. While the Domaine is based in Gigondas, they also have holdings in Lirac and Rasteau.Terroir & Vineyard Practices:
The family has 15 ha of vines in Gigondas. The vines are grown at a higher altitude than other wines in the area - a significant boon in this age of global warming. The extra altitude means these vines are treated to cooler nights, a necessity for retaining the proper acidity in the grapes.Tasting Notes
The cuvée name for the Gigondas is called "le Mas" after the estate's' farmhouse. It has a classy nose of ripe black fruits followed by hints of Garrigue herbs, licorice, and cigar leaf, with a firm but elegant and complex finish, ending with rounded spicy notes. The tannins have excellent grip and structure that, with underlying freshness, allows this beautiful wine to develop in bottle.Vinification
The 2017 vintage is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Modest oak treatment - less than a quarter of the wine is raised in oak barrels, of which only 15% are new, the majority is raised in concrete tanks.Press
- (91-93) points - Wine Advocate: "A blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2018 Gigondas is being matured mostly in concrete tank, with 20% in oak. There's a hint of green peppercorns on the nose, then bold raspberry fruit in this full-bodied, silky-textured wine. Drink 2020-2028."- Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
- (90-92) points - Vinous: "Limpid ruby-red. Lively, spice-accented red berry and cherry scents are complicated by a hint of pungent flowers. Energetic and focused on the palate, offering sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that turn sweeter as the wine unfolds. Juicy and well-focused, displaying bright, spicy thrust on the nervy finish, which features harmonious tannins and a touch of candied red fruits. Drink 2023-2031."- Josh Raynolds, Vinous
- 90 points – Wine Enthusiast: “Peppercorns and wild-berry preserves introduce this easy-drinking, fruit-focused blend of Grenache (80%), Syrah (10%) and Mourvédre (10%). It's full bodied and plush on the palate, with a juicy, thirst-quenching finish marked by a subtle salty spray. Best now–2025.”- Wine Enthusiast
- "I don’t think the 2018 Gigondas Le Mas will match the 2017, but it’s nevertheless a beautiful, possibly outstanding wine. Sappy garrigue, black cherries, garrigue, and peppery notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied barrel sample that has fine tannins, good acidity, and a classic, balanced style. It should drink nicely in its youth yet age well on its balance.”- Jebdunnuck.com