While Cabernet Sauvignon still gets all the credit for building the American wine scene, we’ve found that an overwhelming percentage of our Mission customers love the more concentrated flavor of a juicy, full-bodied GSM blend just as much (Grenache + Syrah + Mourvedre). That’s why we wanted to bring your attention to this amazing little deal we have for you on a beautiful summer Monday!

Gigondas is a region in France’s Southern Rhône right near Châteauneuf du Pape that makes a bolder, more dynamic version of what we normally call a Côte du Rhone blend. The wines from Gigondas must be a majority of Grenache with the remainder being Syrah and Mourvedre, and the best expressions have bold fruit flavor (think ripe blueberries with cassis) with a savory, herbaceous element that gives them amazing depth. 

Domaine de Grand Bourjassot is a tiny 10 acre estate in the heart of the region and the Cuvée Cécile is its top wine. Since its inception in 1998, the wine has garnered immense praise from the industry’s top critics, but those reviews have only increased in quality over time. 

As an example, Jeb Dunnuck from Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the 2004 vintage a very fine 89 point score, calling it “impressive, if not outstanding.”

Fifteen vintages later, Jeb Dunnuck rated the 2019 it a well-deserved 93 points, telling readers that he would “hide bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade.” We agree, as it’s one of the most delicious new wines we’ve tasted in weeks. The vines are an average of 65 years old and every grape is harvested by hand to preserve that incredible concentration.

And we’re just getting started on the press! The Vinous and Wine Spectator scores have yet to be released, which is why we’re letting you know about this little deal now, before the rush. If you love ripe, round, full-fruited red wines with distinction and character, this is a fantastic wine at a very reasonable price. Roughly 350 cases are made for the entire world and we have five of them for you today, while supplies last!

2019 Domaine de Grand Bourjassot “Cuvée Cécile” Gigondas $31.99

93 POINTS: JEB DUNNUCK - The 2019 Gigondas Cuvée Cécile is a more classic blend based largely on Grenache and offers a medium to full-bodied, balanced, impressive style. Sappy garrigue, spring flowers, and both red and blue fruits show on the nose, and it has plenty of mid-palate depth as well as building tannins that emerge with time in the glass. The cellar should be your friend on this one. I’d hide bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.