Montmirail Gigondas Mon Reve 2020

Whiffs of freshly dug truffle and rose petals lend seductive perfume to preserved black plum and cherry in this unctuous blend of Grenache (75%), Syrah (20%) and Mourvèdre (5%). It's a spicy, smoky sip with a gorgeous mineral undertone but it's quite pure in black fruit, too. Fresh acidity and a dense layer of tannins extend the finish.

On 59 acres of AOC Gigondas hillsides and terraces, mostly Grenache vines (55+ years old) along with Syrah and Mourvèdre (25+ years old are planted in red clay soils with a high proportion of rocky stones. They benefit from a sunny Southern exposure and are sheltered from the blistering Mistral wind by the cliffs, which form a natural amphitheater. The high altitude of the vineyards (1,300 ft.) means cool fresh nights to counter the heat. These natural conditions lead to a supple and elegant Gigondas wine.

Denis Cheron acquired the Domaine du Grand Montmirail after moving to the Southern Rhône in the 1960s from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, where his son Yves was born and where he learned about winemaking with the delicate Pinot Noir grape. Yves took over operations in the 1980s and turned an old convent on the property into fabulously placed living quarters for the family. His philosophy is simple: small[1]production wines straight from the source. The domaine extends over hillsides and terraces of the Southern Rhone, including the appellations of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Beaumes de Venise.