Since 1998, Frédéric and Daniel Brunier and Kermit Lynch have been tending to the destiny of Domaine Les Pallières, one of Gigondas's oldest estates. "Les Racines" is a parcel selection of the oldest vines (60 years or more) around the main house and the ageing cellars, in the lieu-dit Les Pallières. The Les Pallières domaine consists of a single 334-acre estate comprising 62 acres of vineyards and
272 acres of pine and oak. Grapes from about 60% of the plantings are blended in “Les Racines”.

“Les Racines”, a cuvée made with grapes from the estate’s oldest vines, has the velvet, depth and harmony that defines old grenache when cultivated in refined terroirs. It has very high ageing potential, as balance is the main factor.

GRAPE VARIETIES: 80% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah and Cinsault (coplanted), 5% Clairette.

VINE AGE: 70 years on average.

VINIFICATION: grapes are hand-picked, with double sorting at the vine, then a third sort in the winery. Gentle crushing and selective destemming, followed by 25-30 days’ traditional fermentation in temperature controlled concrete and wooden vats. Pneumatic pressing, then systematic malolactic fermentation.

MATURATION: 20 months in French oak foudres (60 hl). Bottled unfined and unfiltered, then released at 2 years.

PERSONALITY AND AGEING: “Racines”, a cuvée made with grapes from the estate’s oldest vines, has the velvet, depth and harmony that defines old grenache when cultivated in refined terroirs. It has very high ageing potential, as balance is the main factor.

"Concentrated and silky with fine, fantastic tannins for the 2021 vintage, this is earthy and meaty with excellent concentration and a very long, firm yet polished finish. A cuvee based on grenache from vines growing around the winery. Should age extremely well. Drinkable now, but best from 2025."
95 points.
Stuart Piggott, jamessuckling.com (April 2024)