With the 2016 vintage, Julien brings a new “parcellaire” to the market. This comes from a slightly north-facing vineyard, slightly lower than “La Colline” . This plot is planted with more than 60-year-old Mourvèdre. For the first time, Julien vinified this parcel separately with a late harvest and in “vendange entière” with maturation on demi-muids. We recently tasted it from the barrel and although still very young, we already got a strong suspicion that this cuvée is also going to cause a furore. Despite the 100% Mourvèdre here, hardly any animal notes can be detected with a fresh touch, partly due to the location of the plot, but certainly also thanks to the vendange entière. A very powerful, full-bodied wine, more or less in the style of the very best Bandol. Particularly successful, quirky wine full of character, not to be missed. Yield of 15hl/ha, 2000 bottles and 120 magnums bottled.

Jeb Dunnuck: “ A new cuvée made from a parcel selection of old vine Mourvèdre (there are smaller amounts of Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache) planted on a north-facing, limestone plateau, the 2016 Gigondas Le Plateau sports an inky purple color as well as more black and blue fruits, loads of pepper and garrigue like nuances, full-bodied richness, and a thick, opulent, unctuous texture. It’s a singular beauty that has building tannin and loads of potential, and I can’t wait to taste this from bottle.” 94-97/100
“ Under the helm of the young Julien Brechet, with aid from omnipresent Philippe Cambie, Domaine des Bosquets has quickly risen into the top handful of estates in Gigondas, as well as in all of the Southern Rhône. The 2015s shine for their purity and finesse, but the 2016s have everything you could want in wine. You can’t go wrong with any of these.”

Vinous (Josh Reynolds): “Bright violet. Expressive blackberry, cassis, incense and spicecake scents show impressive clarity and pick up a smoky mineral nuance with air. Sweet and seamless in the mouth, offering deeply concentrated red and dark fruit preserve, star anise and violet pastille flavors that are given focus and spine by a core of juicy acidity. Deftly blends richness and finesse and finishes extremely long and sappy; pliant tannins add shape and grip.” 94/100

Wine Advocate (Joe Czerwinski): “Virtually all Mourvèdre (there are a few Grenache and Syrah vines mixed in), the 2016 Gigondas Le Plateau was fermented as whole bunches and developed an exotic nose, ranging from hints of flowers and herbs to fraises des bois, cherries, plums and pineapple. It’s full-bodied and rich, with a supple mid-palate and firm tannins on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.” 95/100

Jancis Robinson: 17/20