93pts Vinous
Vinified with 20% whole clusters, the 2022 Gigondas Racines outperforms the Terrasse du Diable from the same vintage. Orange rind, rose petals, ripe red fruits, dried herbs and white pepper are all pushed forward in this sexy Gigondas that’s totally alluring. Full-bodied, concentrated and layered, the 2022 concludes with a long and savory aftertaste. Drinking Window: 2026 – 2036   - By Nicolas Greinacher on September 2024

The historic Domaine Les Pallières—owned by the Brunier family of Vieux Télégraphe and celebrated importer Kermit Lynch—continues to set the benchmark for Gigondas with their flagship cuvée Les Racines. Sourced from the estate’s oldest parcels (many vines over 70 years) near the village of Gigondas at 250–400 meters of altitude, this bottling captures the depth and elegance that only mature Grenache can deliver. The 2022 vintage reflects a warm, dry growing season balanced by the cool influence of the Dentelles de Montmirail, which preserved freshness and aromatic lift despite the heat. The blend is typically around 85% Grenache with small amounts of Syrah and Cinsault, fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged for about 20 months in large, neutral oak foudres to emphasize terroir over wood.

In the glass, the wine is a deep, ruby-purple hue, releasing a complex bouquet of black raspberry, ripe cherry, garrigue herbs, violets, and crushed stone. The palate is full-bodied yet remarkably poised, with layers of dark berry fruit, licorice, cracked pepper, and a subtle mineral edge. Fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity give the wine impressive structure and aging potential, while the long, savory finish speaks to its high-altitude, limestone-rich soils.

A classic, age-worthy Gigondas, Les Racines 2022 is stunning today with grilled lamb, roasted game, or hearty Provençal stews, and will reward cellaring for 10–15 years as it develops deeper spice and truffle notes.