Domaine des Bosquets Le Plateau Gigondas 2017

Gigondas is a prestigious cru within the Southern Rhône that punches well above its weight despite being relatively small. The appellation specialises in grenache-dominant blends that rival the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but often at more accessible prices. The terroir here produces wines with exceptional concentration and aging potential, as demonstrated by this Le Plateau's ability to cellar beautifully until 2040 and beyond.

This wine is already drinking beautifully now, having had sufficient time to integrate and show its true character since the 2017 vintage. However, there's no urgency to consume it - you have at least a decade of prime drinking ahead, with the wine likely to remain excellent well into the 2040s. The full-bodied structure and concentrated fruit will continue to evolve, developing more complex tertiary flavours over time.

The commanding, full-bodied nature of this wine calls for equally robust dishes that can match its intensity. Think slow-braised lamb with herbs de Provence, grilled ribeye with rosemary, or rich game dishes like venison or wild boar. The wine's earthy undertones and spice notes also complement aged cheeses, particularly those from the Rhône region, and hearty Mediterranean stews with olives and herbs.

While this wine is listed as 'Other Red', Gigondas regulations require grenache to be the dominant variety, typically comprising 50-80% of the blend. This is usually complemented by syrah for structure and colour, mourvèdre for tannin and complexity, and sometimes smaller amounts of cinsault or other permitted varieties. The combination creates the distinctive powerful yet elegant profile that Gigondas is renowned for, with grenache providing the rich fruit character evident in this Le Plateau.

The exceptional scores of 95 points from Decanter and 94 points from Wine Enthusiast place this wine in the outstanding category, representing the top tier of Gigondas production. These ratings reflect not just the wine's immediate appeal, but its structural integrity and aging potential. Coming from a boutique producer and single vineyard source, it represents the artisanal approach that often produces the most distinctive and memorable wines from this appellation.