2016 A classic vintage The 2016 vintage was truly unique, with perfect climatic conditions for our Rhône varieties and an exceptional harvest. Looking back on this outstanding year, winter was defined by particularly mild temperatures despite relatively little sunshine. Spring 2016 was dry and quite cool. Rainfall was light but regular throughout the vegetation growth stage and as a result of the dry conditions, vineyard health was excellent from the start of the vegetative phase through to harvest. A hot, sunny summer encouraged the grapes to ripen. The vines were in perfect health and picking began in Gigondas around September 20th, ending around October 10th. The 2016 harvest was one of the latest of the last two decades. The exceptional climatic conditions allowed all the varieties to be picked at optimum maturity, and the September rains were advantageous. The harvested fruit was of superb quality. Grenache and Syrah are particularly well suited to our region’s dry, windy conditions and thus they thrived and revealed their full potential. First tastings indicate that this will be an exceptional vintage, with pronounced aromatic intensity, great concentration, perfect balance and good structure thanks to the perfectly ripe tannins; delicate aromas of blackcurrant, liquorice and raspberry linger in the cellars. In terms of volume, the 2016 vintage is likely to be relatively low, similar to that of 2013. Thanks to its excellent quality and ageing potential, 2016 should be one of Gigondas’ very best vintages! Copyright : Laurent Philis – Philis Œnologie à Gigondas