Pierre Amadieu - Gigondas Le Pas de l'Aigle 2022

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A powerful nose with notes of black fruit, spices, and leather. Reflecting the sunny character of the vintage, it is smooth, round, and flavorful on the palate. High-quality tannins with a silky texture, leading to a mineral (pencil lead) finish that is energetic and elegant. A serious wine with everything it needs to age beautifully.

About the estate:

This is the largest and likely one of the oldest estates in Gigondas, run by Pierre Amadieu, the current owner and one of the village’s most dedicated residents. The estate boasts breathtaking vineyards in La Machotte, Le Pas de l’Aigle, and Romane, among others. At an altitude of 400 meters, the Grenache grapes are harvested at full ripeness and then undergo a long fermentation and aging process in large oak casks, some of which are over half a century old. The other appellations produced here are crafted with the same care. A true Favorite its rosés, the reds demonstrate excellent aging potential, while the whites offer admirable freshness.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

Wine Spectator

Wine Enthusiast

About the wine:

The nose is dominated by aromas of sun-kissed red cherry, surrounded by notes of white strawberry, raspberry, and warm earth that frame the fruit with natural ease. From the very start, the wine feels balanced and approachable, but it doesn’t rely solely on its charm. On the palate, rhubarb, white pepper, and a pinch of clove bring energy and texture to the mid-palate, while the minerality of crushed stone adds length to the finish. Best enjoyed after 2028–2030+.

Vinous

About the wine:

The 2022 Gigondas Le Pas de L'Aigle, with its pale ruby color, is medium-bodied to full-bodied, flavorful, and complex. A blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, it will age for two years in large oak casks, followed by an additional year in the bottle before being released. This aging period will be necessary, as the firm tannic structure needs time to soften. Nevertheless, the aromas and flavors are already coming through quite well, notably a blend of spice cabinet notes, strawberry, raspberry, black cherry, graphite, and a hint of menthol.

James Suckling

About the wine:

This Gigondas is as vast as the sky under which it grew. Intense aromas of Damascus plum and rich notes of tar and licorice envelop the compact tannic structure at the heart of this very serious wine. The finish is long and velvety, full of energy. Sourced from north-facing vineyards at an altitude of 500 meters. Made from organically grown grapes. A pure Grenache, aged for two years in large oak casks. Best enjoyed upon release.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

The 2022 Gigondas Le Pas De L'Aigle from this renowned estate is made from 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, which were aged in barrels for 24 months. It has a vivid ruby color and exudes a wonderful aroma of red and black fruits, cedar, and chocolate. This medium- to full-bodied wine, concentrated for a 2022 vintage, offers magnificent tannins, a structured and balanced palate, and refined tannins that are complemented by a lovely minerality on the finish. This wine deserves 2 to 3 years of cellaring and will be at its best over the next 10 to 12 years, or even longer.