We feel compelled to keep ranting about the 2016 Rhône vintage because frankly, you need these wines in your life. Especially this 95-POINT-STUNNER that Jeb Dunnuck calls “the finest wine ever from this estate” adding “it’s a wine to buy by the case“ which is a really good point as there really isn’t much a) made, b) imported and c) allocated, so what are you waiting for?

In the glass, gorgeous garnet hues are encircled by a lip of ruby red. The nose is remarkable, begging for a deep inhale. Clean, distinct spice notes of clove, white pepper and cardamom meet a surprising juicy pear aroma. Equally sensational on the palate. Here you’re treated to waves of allspice, nutmeg, cacao, and plum ganache. Elegant from the start to it’s seemingly infinite finish, this beauty dances across the midpalate with restrained tannin that allows the fruit to shine. Boeuf bourguignon anyone? You’ll run out wine before you finish your first helping.

Connoisseurs perk up their ears when Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate raves; “the Burgundy born and trained Yves Cheron’s Domaine du Grand Montmirail lies on the southern slopes of the Dentelles and covers 36 hectares of mostly terraced vineyard where Yves makes terrific Gigondas, these are classic, textbook wines…” Antonio Galloni’s Vinous adds; “2016 is one of the most consistently outstanding vintages for Gigondas that I have ever tasted… a slam dunk.” While Gigondas doesn’t get as much recognition as nearby Châteauneuf, the wines show a similar style of intense concentration and incredible value. GLORIOUS stuff, for sure.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

95 Points – Jeb Dunnuck - “The finest wine ever from this estate is the 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, which is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre that was destemmed and brought up in 30% new barrels. (The Grenache was brought up all in concrete.) It’s an incredibly gorgeous, full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Gigondas that has rocking notes of plums, black raspberries, kirsch, spice, and new saddle leather literally soaring from the glass. With ultra-fine tannins, a silky, seamless texture, no hard edges, and a great, great finish, it’s a wine to buy by the case. Drink after 2018.”

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast - “Muscular and commanding, this bold, voluminous wine offers concentrated but pristine blueberry and plum flavors. It’s creamy and expansive on the palate, its curves framed by soft, sinewy tannins and yielding acidity. Drink now–2026.”

92 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “The 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. On the nose, it’s flowers and spice, hinting at violets but also cinnamon and clove. Medium to full-bodied, it’s crisper than many Gigondas this vintage, with cherry, cranberry and pomegranate flavors framed by fine-grained tannins. It should drink well at least through 2030.”

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous - “Bright ruby. Expressive aromas of ripe red berries and candied flowers; an intriguing suggestion of apricot emerges as the wine stretches out. Smooth and lush in the mouth, offering Chambord and cherry cola flavors energized by a jolt of peppery spices. Finishes sweet, gently tannic and very long, leaving floral pastille and raspberry notes behind. Drink 2023-2030.”