La Ferme du Mont Gigondas Jugunda Rouge 2020

“This is a seriously talented winemaker who is quickly emerging as a star of the southern Rhone.”  – Robert Parker, Jr.

Just to clarify, the winemaker monsieur Parker was referring to is none other than Stephane Vedeau, the professional soccer player turned Southern Rhone vintner extraordinaire. Mostly grenache, with a complement of syrah, this 2020 Jugunda from Gigondas is a stalwart and impressively structured wine that could easily be mistaken for Chateauneuf du Pape – in all things but the price!

The wine comes from the blend of two distinct terroirs: terraces of limestone and red clay located on the western edge of Gigondas, where 60+-year-old vine grenache grows in traditional goblet-style vines, and single-cordon syrah grown in the shadows of Dentelles de Montmirail, a beautiful rock outcrop beloved by local hikers and rock climbers. The vineyards enjoy fully biodynamic and organic farming practices, without any pesticides or herbicides. The wine is pure Rhone – with roasted herbs and spices beckoning you into the glass, where you are confronted with deep red fruits and earthy black soil tones. The wine is fresh and bright initially, with raspberry and mulberry notes, before turning deep and dark with black olive tapenade, roasted sage, and meaty, savory mineral notes. This is an opulent, expressive Rhone blend that is sure to compete with CdPs at 2-3 times the price! For under $25, this is a remarkable effort that yet again shows...Robert Parker was right about this producer!