Domaine des Bosquets, nestled in the heart of Gigondas, exemplifies why this small Rhône village deserves closer attention. First recorded as a vineyard site in 1376, Domaine des Bosquets derives its name from bosquets—small groves—reflecting the vineyards' isolated locations amid forested slopes of the Dentelles.

Today, the estate is meticulously managed by Julien Brechet, whose detailed micro-vinifications have precisely mapped the domaine’s diverse terroirs. Certified organic and practicing biodynamic principles, the domaine emphasizes sustainability, using cover crops to enhance soil fertility, encourage biodiversity, and guide vine roots deeper into nutrient-rich subsoils.

With vines averaging 50 years in age across 14 distinct terroirs—including sandy soils, gravels, and various clays—yields are intentionally kept low to preserve quality in each lieu-dit. Harvesting is done entirely by hand, accompanied by rigorous fruit selection. Indigenous yeasts drive the fermentations, further underscoring the domaine’s commitment to authenticity. This exceptional care manifests clearly in the vibrant, expressive character of Domaine des Bosquets' cuvées.

Le Plateau combines Julien’s oldest-vine mourvèdre (some 80-years-old !) with small percentages of syrah, cinsault, grenache, counoise, and clairette. The parcel is quite low yielding, and this is one of the smallest cuvées made at only 180 cases on a good year. Whole-clusters are cofermented in a small concrete tank with indigenous yeasts. This wine ages 18-months in neutral French oak. There is a gorgeous architecture here with towering dark berries, beef carpaccio, pepper, and a sappy underbrush tossed with bunches of fresh herbs.

94pts Decanter