Crous St. Martin 2017 Gigondas, Les Espaliers

The origin dates from 1879 which coincides with the restoration of St Martin’s Cross (“Crous” in local provincial language), which the monks had installed to indicate the road to Châteauneuf. The vines are located in unique terroir of Gigondas, probably the most complex soil of the southern Rhone, going from alluvial soil (from the river l’Ouvèze) of about 100.000 years ago, up to the Trias being 200 million years old. The majority of vines are planted against the “Dentelles de Montmirail” which brings so much complexity, roundness and fine tannins to the wine.

A Blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. Grapes are hand harvested and undergo a 30 day steel vat vinification. A small portion is aged in used 228-litre oak casks for 15 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 94 points saying "This is such a pretty, perfumed wine wafting of rose petals and packed with pristine black plum and blackberry flavors. It’s a penetrating, primary sip with a silky cling on the palate. Hints of char and earth linger on the finish. Drinks beautifully already but should develop greater depth well through 2030."