Ventoux Les Boudalles, A toothsome blend of Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and 10% Clairette, a vibrant white. This single-vineyard slope is low-yielding (only 35hl/h) sandy clay. Traditional, natural fermentation, followed by six months rest in vat before launching to the world.
Cotes du Rhone “Laurent B” Rouge, The 2017 Cotes du Rhone Laurent B is 80% young-vine Cairanne and the rest Plan de Dieu, a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre that sees no wood. It’s medium-bodied, fresh and fruity, with cherry and blueberry fruit that’s juicy, delicious and silky on the finish. “We’re looking for drinkability,” says Brusset.
Cairanne “les Travers” The medium to full-bodied 2017 Cairanne les Travers looks like it will be another great success, underscoring baskets of fresh blueberries and red raspberries with silky tannins and a long, lip-smacking finish.
Rasteau La Bastide The 2017 Rasteau La Bastide shows that it’s possible to achieve ample richness in the mouth without high alcohols (Brusset says this sample is about 13.8% alcohol). It’s medium to full-bodied, with a lush, silky texture and hints of mocha and cola.
Gigondas Tradition le Grand Montmirail Loaded with cassis and blueberry fruit, the 2017 Gigondas Tradition les Grands Montmirail is full-bodied and supple, yet it seems nearly weightless on the palate; that’s how easy it is to drink already. Silky and long, this is lovely stuff for drinking over the next 7-8 years.
Gigondas Les Hauts Montmirail…Full-bodied and softly dusty, the 2017 Gigondas les Hauts de Montmirail presents a dark mélange of cassis and blueberry fruit. It’s silky and elegant, with a dusting of dried herbs and spice on the finish. The oak has been dialed back this vintage, allowing more detail to shine through. It rivals the les Secrets bottling at this point.
Gigondas Les Secrets de Montmirail… Incredibly promising, the 2017 Gigondas Les Secrets de Montmirail again looks to be the best wine in the cellar. The raspberry and blueberry fruit is concentrated and ably supported by silky tannins and a rich, lingering finish. With less new oak than in the past, the wine is detailed and precise, laced through with hints of garrigue and dried spices. Bravo!
