Montirius 2005 Tasting Notes

Gigondas 2002
Vacqueyras 2002

The first of our exclusive wines is Gigondas, which is similar in style to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and in 1971 was the second of the southern Côtes-du-Rhône Villages wines to be elevated to Appellation status.  Our exclusive cuvée is made from old, low-yielding vines - 85% Grenache (75 years old) and 15% Mourvèdre (40 years old).  The result is a delightfully perfumed, smooth and strong blackberry- and cherry-flavoured wine, with supple tannins, clean mineral notes and a long finish.  

In 1990 Vacqueyras followed Gigondas to full Appellation status.  Our exclusive cuvée is made from vines with an average age of 40 years, grown on the plateau of the garrigue.  The blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah produces a full-bodied, ripe and rich wine with bags of fresh, sweet black fruit on the palate.  It too has a deliciously refreshing mineral aftertaste and a long, lingering finish.  

Both wines can be drunk now, but if cellared carefully will develop in bottle for at least another five years.  These powerful and full-flavoured wines will happily accompany rich dishes like oeufs en meurette (poached eggs in a red wine sauce) and coq au vin, substantial winter casseroles with beans and lentils, lamb shank and roast guinea fowl.