Marie Giraud welcomes me. François, the brother, is on the tractor, as the storm has also passed this way... Marie introduces me to the vertical, which will be on the cuvée Les Gallimardes, one of the jewels in the estate. All the vintages are present, at least those made by Marie and François. This is the first vertical where only one generation is represented. It's fascinating to see a great wine come into being over the years...
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes: this cuvée comes from the eponymous plot, planted with Grenache (centenarians) and Syrah, mainly on rolled pebbles.
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2016
Remarkably fresh nose (which will characterize the entire range...), bursting with cherry and citrus fruit; as is the mouth, harmonious and concentrated, with no sensation of alcohol, which finishes with peppery notes reminiscent of the 10% syrah. A fine wine. Beef steak with cranberries. 97/100
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2015
One of the finest 2015s for its perfect balance, suave, "mineral" mouthfeel, and structure melted into the material without any hardness. Rabbit with prunes. 95-96/100
The 2014 and 2013 vintages were not produced because of insufficient heat (a shame!) and 2012 because of frost, which virtually wiped out the harvest.
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2011
Already pleasant, with a certain suppleness on the palate, we appreciate the precision of its aromas and flavors, in the absence of power. The tannins, well blended into the material, deliver a finish of faded rose. Grilled chicken. 94/100
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2010
Tiny yields (like most 2010s) for this great wine evolving between blackcurrant and tapenade, citrus and rosebud, in a pulpy, dense and long style, carried by powdery tannins of the best taste. In the making. Daube à la provençale. 96/100
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2009
A bottle deviating into premature evolution. A shame!
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2007
With the patina of the 2011 and the concentration of the 2010, this is superb and enjoyable right from the start: blood orange and peppermint enliven a sensual, fresh and harmonious body that lingers long on the finish of powdery tannins. A fine wine. Pavé de biche. 97/100
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2006
Fairly light in the series, with a more vegetal, stewed profile that holds its own right through to the finish. Can be enjoyed now. 92/100
Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes 2005
This first vintage of Les Gallimardes has the touch and freshness of the following vintages, but without the precision or balance, which is only to be expected! A lovely wine to enjoy with tender meat. 92/100
The other vertical tastings HERE