This is the finest estate in Gigondas and certainly one of the finest estates in the Southern Rhône. 25 hectares of vines, with an average age of 65-70 years, sitting in its own elevated hidden bowl at between 250-400m, facing north west and surrounded by 100 hectares of wild garrigue. The very old vine ‘Racines’ cuvée are from vines with an average of 100 years and are grown around the house on clay and limestone soils.
"Vivid ruby. Sexy, mineral- and spice-accented blueberry and black raspberry aromas show excellent clarity and pick up an exotic five-spice powder flourish as the wine opens up. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark berry and spicecake flavors that show a suave blend of depth and energy. Finishes very long and silky, with slow-building tannins adding shape and gentle grip." 94 pts, Josh Raynolds, Vinous
"Much older vines, with close to a 100-year-old average. This has a cherry and pepper edge to it. Very plush and even, elegant and refreshing. The stems are perfectly integrated. Elegant, lithe and profound. Layered and long, builds freshness. Drink now." 94 pts, James Suckling
"I preferred the Domaine Les Pallieres 2015 Gigondas Les Racines, which comes from 75-year-old vines (80% Grenache) at lower elevation. There's a sassafras-like spice note to this wine, along with ripe cherries and hints of clove and allspice. Like the Terrasse de Diable, it's full-bodied and silky in texture, but the Racines seems to carry its alcohol better. Both of these Gigondas are matured exclusively in 60-hectoliter foudres, so there's no obvious oak influence." 91 pts, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
"The nose is aromatic, nicely wide and quietly persistent, floral, gracious, comes with snippets of licorice, sparks of menthol, smokiness. The palate has a broad debut, good heart, fills the palate with some silk in the texture, develops pebbly tannins, with a chewy aspect on them. It is more complete, profound than the Terrasses 2017, the length assured. It can make progress quietly, gradually. The tannins remind me a bit of 2013, though it's more elegant than 2013." John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com