Denis Cheron acquired the Domaine du Grand Montmirail after moving to the Southern Rhône in the 1960s from Burgundy’s Côte de Nuits, where his son Yves was born and where he learned about winemaking with the delicate Pinot Noir grape. Yves took over operations in the 1980s. His philosophy is simple: small-production wines straight from the source.
The estate vineyards lie on 59 acres of AOC Gigondas hillsides and terraces, mostly Grenache vines (50+ years old) along with Syrah and Mourvèdre (20-year-old vines) are planted in red clay soils with a high proportion of rocky stones. They benefit from a sunny Southern exposure and are sheltered from the blistering Mistral wind by the cliffs, which form a natural amphitheater. The high altitude of the vineyards (1,300 ft.) means cool fresh nights to counter the heat. These natural conditions lead to a supple and elegant Gigondas wine.
This wine is made from a selection of 60% old vine Greanche, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre. The Grenache aged 3 years in cement tanks while the Syrah and Mouvedre were aged in new oak.
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 90 points saying "The 2015 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is also outstanding and checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that had the Grenache brought up in tank and the Syrah in new barrels. It gives up lots of leather, peppery herbs, black cherry and assorted darker berry fruit in a medium-bodied, fresh, focused style. With ripe tannin and good acidity, it will keep for a decade or more."
International Wine Report scored this 93 points saying "The 2015 ‘Cuvèe Vieilles Vignes’ Gigondas is a compelling blend of 60% Grenache from 40+ year old vines along with 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. As this opens in the glass, it releases wonderful nuanced aromatics of dark cherries, raspberries and plum woven together with spices, white pepper, lavender and hints of black olives and stony minerals. This full bodied red is beautiful structured with round, velvety tannins and displays excellent concentration and focus. The finish is long and expansive, underlined by a lovey touch of acidity keeping it fresh and inviting, as spices and pepper notes continue to linger along side dark fruits. Overall this is an absolutely gorgeous wine, which will be accessible early on and for years to come. (Best 2018-2028)"