2019 Château Gigognan "Clos du Roi" Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Professional Reviews

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

Review Date: 10/2024

Ever since we began working with the 2016 vintage at Gigonan, almost 5 years ago, they have continued to up their game. This new vintage is in the vein of the 2016 Clos du Roi (one of our best selling CDPs of all time!) with great density and weight but a level of finesse that keeps this slightly out of the too modern category of Chateauneuf. Deep red fruit flavors attack the palate, with notes of licorice, spice and violets. There is a seamless texture that balances this wine. This is exciting stuff! John Livingstone-Learmonth gave the wine one of his coveted STGT (Soil to Glass Transfers) which is all about a wine showing its true terroir. He writes: “This is well tuned, authentic, STGT Châteauneuf, which has flair, life, fresh length.” What a journey this estate has been on, and what a pleasure to watch as it keeps moving forward.

CD

Carlo Delgado

Carlo Delgado

Review Date: 11/2024

This is about how good it's going to get for a Chateauneuf Du Pape at this price range. Spicy red berries, savory dried herbs, a touch of leather, hint of roasted meat, and a nice minerality. Elevated and vibrant on the palate, and a persistent finish. Cheers!

SB

Scott Beckerley

Scott Beckerley

Review Date: 10/2024

This CNP starts off with a really inviting nose of black roasted cherries, mild white pepper and chocolate cream. On the palate, lush red fruits, some lightly drying tannins, crisp background minerals and savory spices. It is just traditional enough to please the purists but, it also has a nice plushness to it. Excellent!

Notes

Like many great estates, Château Gigognan has a long and storied past. The roots of the vineyards date back to the time of the Romans. Bishop Geoffroy of Avignon even had a hand in the estate in the twelfth century. The property's modern history began when Anne and Jacques Callet purchased the Clos du Roi domaine and began restoring the château. All through the 1990s, the Callets worked to rebuild the property and create a better-equipped cellar. As of 2009, the winery has been certified organic. In 2012, Philippe Cambie came on board to consult with the winemaking and rework some of the vineyard plantings. Jacques Callet passed away in July of 2016, and the property was purchased by Jean-Francois Henin in 2017. A new era began, and even greater restoration has taken place. A whole new production facility has been added, and winemaker Stéphane Derenoncourt now leads the charge to establish the winery as one of the most exciting in the region. The "Clos du Roi" is primarily one large parcel with just a few tiny satellite parcels. Planted over galets (the classic round white stones of Châteauneuf-du-Pape), the terroir is located in the southern and driest part of the appellation. Composed of primarily Grenache and Syrah, the wine is aged in a mix of stainless steel and older wood. It is a pure and expressive version of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and a welcome addition to our Direct Import program.