Domaine du Grapillon d'Or 1806 Gigondas Red Rhone Blend 1806

Created in 1806 and located in the village of Gigondas, we find one of the hidden gems of the region: Domaine du Grapillon D'Or. As styles have changed and the popularity of the Rhone has grown, Grapillon D'Or continues to produce one of the best and most affordable examples of traditional Gigondas that I have ever tasted. From soils of sand, clay and limestone, the family farms a number of tiny parcels throughout the appellation. A mixture of hand-tended vines, low yields and superior terroir produces Grenache and Syrah of outstanding quality, which are then partially crushed prior to a long maceration. What follows is aging and refinement in neutral oak barrels for 14 months before bottling. Upon pop and pour, we are presented with a pretty wine of gorgeous floral tones, along with notes of blackberry and spice. However, the real magic of Grapillon D'Or comes with an hour or more in decanter, as it gains tremendous depth, sweetness and flesh, adding notes of spiced cookie and smoky, seared meats. It's a wine that demands your attention and patience but rewards you tenfold. It's also one of the best values you can find in the Rhone today. (Eric Guido)

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