Domaine Les Pallières Les Racines Gigondas 2017

Les Pallières, a wine domaine over five centuries old long renowened for the finesse of its wines, sit nestled beneath the Detelles de Montmirail outside the Roman town of Gigondas. The domaine is run by the Brunier & Lynch families. Les Racines, a cuvée made with grapes from the estate’s oldest vines, has the velvet, depth and harmony that defines old Grenache when cultivated in refined terroirs. It has very high ageing potential, as balance is the main factor. For this wine the grapes are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, then a third sort in the winery. Gentle crushing and selective destemming, followed by 25-30 days’ traditional fermentation in temperature controlled concrete and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation. The wine then spends 20 months in French oak foudres (60 hl). Bottled unfined and unfiltered, then released at 2 years. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years from release date. Aromas of cassis, garrigue and redcurrants and wild raspberries. Grenache drives the palate in a long, linear and very focused style. Dense, but delicate, with a fresh and juicy, raspberry-pastry finish. The vines are 80+ years old. Striking power and focus. – James Suckling, 95 Points The Finer Details Style – Red Wine Varietal – Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette Country – France Region – Rhone Valley Vintage – 2017 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 14.5%