Gigondas is a treasure trove of value in the Rhône, and Domaine de Bosquets is a perennial favourite. The Brechet family has a long history in the Rhône Valley, and they are behind some of the most successful estates today. Domaine de Bosquets has a long history as well, back to 1376, when the first vines were planted at a lieu dit of the name "Bosquets." Over the centuries the land passed through many hands, and in 1962 it was acquired by Sylvette Brechet’s father Gabriel Meffre (also a legend in the region). Today Sylvette’s son Julien has taken over the domaine and made it his own. Julien is a passionate young man, whose winemaking prowess has earned much praise in the Rhône Valley, and his wines speak of this talent.
The winery is now run by Julien Bréchet and is one of the top estates in the whole of the Rhône. Julien has 26 hectares of vines, which are up to 75 years old and lie at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail.
The intensity of this amazing Gigondas literally took my breath away. This is 100% old vine Grenache and totally glorious.
‘Le Lieu Dit’ was the first single vineyard wine produced at Domaine des Bosquets in 2009. This northwest-facing vineyard is planted on sandy soils and measures just 1.8 hectares. It is a cooler site, which gives poise, elegance and a hallmark freshness to the finished wine. Julien is in the process of converting his vineyards to organic and biodynamic viticulture.
A glorious wine that is deep ruby red in colour with an expressive nose of red berries, sweet liquorice, plum and cherries. On the palate it has smooth and mellow tannins with a long, lingering finish. Complex with underlying power, it also has great finesse and is one of the greatest Grenache based wines in the world.
