Score: 91/100 Points
Domaine Brusset is family estate winery established in 1947 and located in the Southern Rhône valley’s town of Cairanne, France.
Founded by André Brusset (1910-1999), the Domaine is run by the third-generation vigneron on the estate (André’s son Daniel, and his grand-son Laurent).
With a total vineyard surface area in production of 70 hectares, Brusset makes wines under 5 Rhone appellations: Gigondas, Cairanne, Rasteau, Côtes-du-Rhône, and Ventoux.
Red wines account for 90% of Brusset’s production (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan) while rosé and white are also made (whites made from Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Clairette).
The ‘Tradition Le Grand Montmirail’ cuvée reviewed here is a Gigondas wine made from a red blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault gowned on stony terraced vineyards on alluvions and molasses facing south.
Yields are relatively low at 30 hl/ha (about 14 tons per acre). Grapes are hand-picked while fermentation is run in vats for 21 days with daily pigeages (punch downs).
Ageing takes place for 60% in vats and 40% in used demi-muids barrels.
Find below my tasting notes for 2017 Domaine Brusset ‘Tradition Le Grand Montmirail’ Gigondas Red.
Overall Review Notes & Tasting Impressions
A deep and profound red color with a heap of dark purple hues suggests a young and concentrated wine, making for an inviting appearance.
The aromatic profile is still young and relatively shy still, but the wine comes through fruity overall with dark blackberry tones to the nose. It is spicy as well with a wealth of peppery and clovy characters.
Smooth and dense tannins on a juicy, dry, and vibrant acidity provide a comforting, powerful and deep tasting experience. Dark chocolate, cherry black-forest cake, and a chili-like spiciness explode on the palate in rich and warming, satisfying sensations.
A very promising dry and concentrated dense red wine, bound to become a complex, long and utterly charming and sifting red should you give it 2-3 years to settle and open up.
From there it should age harmoniously for up to 10 years, but we have here a wine meant to be enjoyed relatively young to enjoy the most of its beautiful fruity vibrancy.
Drink between 2020 and 2025.
Enjoy 🙂
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