Domaine Giraud - Chateauneuf Du Pape Tradition 2020 (750ml)
Price: $59.00
| Producer | Domaine Giraud |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone |
| Varietal | Rhone Blend |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 1413293 |
| Size | 750ml |
Just to the west of town, this Domaine has since 1998 been under the stewardship of brother and sister team of Marie and Francois Giraud, whose lineage in winemaking on their father’s side stretches back six centuries. Their parents, Pierre and Mireille had started in 1974 as tenant farmers and gradually built up holdings of their own. The first bottled wine from the estate was produced from vintage 1981 after Marie’s family distillery was converted into a winemaking facility.
The estate – totaling 35 hectares - has extraordinarily well-situated vineyards of mostly old vines on the plateau of le Crau, Gallimarde and in the Pignan region. The Gallimarde parcel is particularly cherished, being a continuous block of 8 hectares planted with century old Grenache and Mourvèdre, in addition to some younger Syrah vines planted on soils richer in clay. The rest of the estate is spread across various parcels over the northern parts of the appellation.
The estate has been organic since 2011. Fermentation is in stainless steel and concrete tanks. Grenache and Mourvedre go into concrete tanks for aging, but the Syrah goes into French oak.
The cuvee Tradition is made up mostly of Grenache. The Les Gallimardes rouge cuvee is from an old parcel in the south that has long been owned by the estate planted to 100 year old Grenache and some Syrah, with several white varieties, planted on clay limestone soils, with each variety being vinified separately. Covered in galets, this soil gives a typically authentic Chateauneuf of power and concentration. The Les Grenaches des Pierre bottling comes from very old Grenache planted in sandy soils on le Crau and in Pignan. The wine is a homage to their father Pierre. The wine combines power and finesse.
Wine Spectator: 93 Points
Perfumed and floral with alluring high-toned cherry pie and raspberry tart interwoven with warm earth licorice root and a refined iron mineral streak. The structure sneaks up on the palate cleaning up the finish and driving good length. Grenache Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2032. ?K.B.
Falstaff: 92 Points
Strong crimson, purple reflections. Delicately herbal background, ripe plums, dark wild berries, tobacco notes. Juicy, clear fruit expression, ripe figs, velvety tannins. Some honey on the finish, textured, good flow.
Wine Advocate: 91-93 Points
A blend of 80% Grenache 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre sourced from several different parcels around the village the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied and fleshy yet also airy and light on its feet silky and elegant. Unlike the 2019 this is more red-fruited and cherry-driven. The Grenache and Mourvèdre mature in concrete tanks while the Syrah is in barriques.
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider: 92 Points
Flowers herbs and spices on the nose are what you find before diving in to all the sweet ripe luscious pure kirsch and cherries tha
Jeb Dunnuck: 90-92 Points
I always love the classic cuvée from this estate and it's a normal case purchase for my cellar. The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape sports a ruby/purple hue as well as a beautiful perfume of black raspberry wild strawberries spice candied orange and sandalwood. Rich and more medium-bodied with good freshness and purity it's going to drink brilliantly for 10-12 years.
