2018 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas
SKU #1488413
96 points
Decanter
This is deep, vinous and driving, chock full of fruity berry acidity. It’s really vibrant, with a subtle mineral seam and stalks that work well here, lending fragrance but without contributing hardness or astringency. It’s generous with a very long finish but not excessive - balanced and drinkable, but don't underestimate its ageing capacity. A selection of the oldest vines of the estate (65 to 115-years-old), organically grown on sandstone and marl, handpicked, whole-bunch fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled without filtration or fining after maturing in old foudres and demi-muids. (MW)
(9/2019)
91-94 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
From vines 80 to 100 years old, the 2018 Gigondas Ventabren is similar in style to the Tradition but slightly more concentrated and tannic. Pretty aromas of fines herbes, rose petals and orange zest join ripe cherries on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is creamy in texture, fading elegantly into a long, silky finish. (JC)
(8/2019)
91 points
Jeb Dunnuck
The more limited production cuvée, the 2018 Gigondas Ventabren is actually cut from the same cloth as the traditional cuvée, revealing a light ruby, translucent color, and an incredibly Provençal bouquet of kirsch, white pepper, dried herbs, and floral aromas and flavors. Picking up more pepper and spice with time in the glass, it’s medium to full-bodied and has a seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a good finish. I think there’s a little more tannin here, so I would give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar, and it too should evolve nicely over the following decade. Both of these wines show incredibly Provençal, elegant, complex profiles. 91+
(10/2020)
K&L Notes
The Cuvée Ventabren is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault from the property’s oldest vines, ranging from 80 to 100 years of age. All fermentation is done in cement tanks and the wine is aged for 18 months in large oak foudres. The wine is loaded with brambly black fruit, spice notes and that ever-present garrigue. Possessing a beautiful full body texture and an ample finish, this wine resonates beautifully and has all the hallmarks of a great southern Rhône wine. It is approachable now but has plenty of stuffing for short-term or long term cellaring. Serve it with roast meats, braises and stews. You’ll see why we keep coming back for JB’s wines.
