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 bottling is three quarters Grenache from the 50+ year old vines on the estate vineyards. Traditional concrete tanks are used for fermentation and aging, letting the intensely concentrated old vine fruit do all the talking.
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 95 points and said "...the 2017 Gigondas Le Coteau De Mon Rêve is an awesome wine based on 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre that was raised all in concrete tanks. Offering incredible purity in its black and blue fruits and notes of ground pepper, violets, and damp forest floor, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, plush texture, silky tannins, and a great finish. This wine blends elegance and power brilliantly and is ideal for drinking over the coming decade or more."
The Wine Advocate scored this 96 points saying "With the 2017 Gigondas le Coteau de Mon Reve, Yves Cheron has taken his flagship property to another level. A blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, it's full-bodied and rich yet remains exceptionally fine and elegant. Mouthwatering raspberries and blood orange notes are joined by star anise on the long, silky finish. Drink it anytime over the next decade."