Crous St Martin Gigondas “Les Espaliers”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The vines are located in the different terroirs of Gigondas, probably the most complex soil of the southern Rhone, going from alluvial soil (from the river l’Ouvèze) of about 100.000 years ago, up to the Trias being 200 million years old.
- The majority of vines are planted against the “Dentelles de Montmirail” which brings so much complexity, roundness and fine tannins to the wine.
Varietal Composition: 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre
Elaboration: Hand harvested grapes. 30 day steel vat vinification at up to 28°C, cap punching, a little pumping over, mostly aged in stainless, with a small portion in used 228-litre oak casks raised 15 months. Unfined, unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Dark and deep ruby color with an intense nose of jammed fruits, black olives, and dark spices. Silky, elegant mouth, cheerful Gigondas.
PRESS
2016 – 91 Jeb Dunnuck | 93 Wine Advocate
2017 – 92 Vinous | 94 Wine Enthusiast
2018 – 91 Jeb Dunnuck | 91 Wine Advocate | 92 Wine Enthusiast
2019 – 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck
2020 – 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck | 91 Vinous
2021 – 91 Vinous
2022 – 90-93 Vinous | 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
An overnight blockbuster for us immediately upon arrival two vintages back, Crous St Martin is a collaboration between Rhone expert Harry Bosmans and Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. Harry is a household name amongst quality growers in the Rhone Valley and an invaluable resource thanks to his skill on both the production side and on the sales side. Eric’s family has been growing grapes in the north-east corner of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation for three generations now, with 120 acres of vines in their name. Eric’s father began to make wines at Bastide Saint Dominique in 1980, quickly establishing the property as an elite player in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Eric, now 39 years old, spent his early winemaking years up North in Burgundy, and that influence still shows in the delicate balance he is able to achieve between power and detail.