Lavau Gigondas Red 2018 - Rhone, France

92/100 James Suckling 
91/100 Wine Enthusiast 
16/20 Jancis Robinson

4 Stars, Decante 
Silver - Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (2014 vintage)
Top 100 #72 - Wine Spectator (2013 vintage)

50% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah

James Suckling "This has very attractive dried flowers and stones on offer with a rich array of red plums and nectarines that flow to the palate. The depth and drive here is really stunning. Great balance and juicy allure now; there’s more to come later."

Jancis Robinson "Savoury oak spice on the nose: clove, allspice, anise. Succulent black fruit and a touch of garrigue herbiness too. Fine, floury tannic texture with unobtrusive but refreshing acidic frame."

Wine Enthusiast "Prominent veins of char, vanilla and clove extend from nose to finish in this sultry, sun-drenched red. A blend of old-vine Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre sourced from calcareous-marl soils and aged partially in oak, it's a creamy expression of Gigondas. Enjoy now–2027."

The Winemaker "Deep nose dominated by spices (pepper, nutmeg) typical of its appellation, which highlights the aromas of blackcurrant and raspberry jam.The mouth has a solid but well-coated structure, volume and a very nice length."

Originally from Bordeaux, the Lavau family has been involved with winemaking for generations, and have had vineyards ranging from Bordeaux to Tunisia. In 1964 they were seduced by the richness and quality of the Provencal soil, and settled down to make wine in the Rhone Valley.

The cellars of Lavau are currently managed by Benoit and Frederic Lavau, who work in partnership with 350 different grape growers. Benoit is a frequent visitor to Singapore and Pop Up Wine events.

Located in France's Southern Rhône, Gigondas produces wines that are rich Grenache-based blends, due in part to the region’s Mediterranean climate and red clay-alluvial soils. Under the AOP regulations, only red and rosé wines may be produced; white wines are simply declassified to Côtes-du-Rhône status. A mandated 50% Grenache is required in the wine, with Mourvèdre and/or Syrah usually accounting for the bulk of the remaining blend—adding structure, savory tones and color intensity to Grenache’s alcoholic power and lush richness. These wines are often compared to the great wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but can even offer better value.

Grenache – Syrah – Mourvedre blended wines – commonly known by the acronym GSM – are the particular specialty of the southern Rhone Valley in France. Grenache and Syrah are key in this part of the world, and are complemented in this instance by the addition of Mourvedre: an important but slightly less famous inclusion to the blend. GSM wines, which have been readily adopted by the New World, are rich, full bodied and leathery, and are characterized by flavors of dark fruit and spice.