Gigondas 2008
Vacqueyras 2009
Your Option wines come from the 2008 vintage for the Gigondas and the 2009 vintage for the Vacqueyras.
Your exclusive Gigondas 2008 is made from a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre grapes from old, low-yielding vines – some of which are over 80 years old. The 2008 vintage was characterised by much rain, but good levels of ripeness. During lesser years, it is good viticulture and hard work that truly rewards. Your Gigondas 2008 is a great wine with well-defined, spicy fragrance and sweet, juicy flavours of hedgerow fruit and dark cherry. The tannins are gloriously smooth and supple and the finish long and harmonious. I recommend trying it with cassoulet, rabbit or rare Scottish beef. Drink to 2014.
Your exclusive Vacqueyras 2009 is also made from old vines grown on the plateau of the garrigue. 2009 was undoubtedly a great year – one of the best on record for the region. This blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah is characteristically floral and herbal on the nose. The palate is full of ripe blueberry fruit, kirsch and pepper. It finishes long and creamy with the wonderful ‘Montirius’ minerality in the finish. This wine is best enjoyed over the next five to eight years – delicious with a tender lamb shank.