2020 Domaine du Grand Montmirail "Deux Juliettes" Gigondas, Rhone Valley, France (750ml)   

Delicious southern Rhone red with the richness and warmth typical of Grenache-dominated blends from this region.

Charles Neal has imported Yves Cheron's wines from Domaine du Grand Montmirail for many years. They are very good friends who have spent considerable time with each other's families in France. Watching each of their daughters, who both happen to be named, Juliette, get along so well, they were inspired to create a special cuvee they call, "Les Deux Juliettes" or "The two Juliettes." This new 2018 vintage is another great example of Yves' meticulous winemaking style and his remarkable consistency year after year. Once again it is a very focused Gigondas that is a typical for the appellation blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre. The Grenache brings most of the nicely toned fruit flavors of black cherry and black plum while the Syrah adds a little licorice, a subtle dried flower note, peppery spice and structure. The wine is medium bodied with a lovely supple texture and a nice long finish. The Domaine du Grand Montmirail is a beautiful estate situated in a secluded valley in the shadow of the majestic Dentelles de Montmirail with a view towards Mont Ventoux. The 35 hectares of vineyards, ranging in age between 20-60 years old, are planted on the rocky hillsides and terraces of the southern slopes of the Montmirail mountains. The vineyards enjoy abundant sunshine during the day but are sheltered from the fierce Mistral wind and are cooled at night thanks to their proximity to the Dentelles. Denis Cheron, originally from Burgundy, was a negotiant in Vacqueyras and was able to acquire the Grand Montmirail estate in the 1960s. His son, Yves, runs the domaine and also makes wines for other producers in the Rhone as well as Burgundy.