Yesterday we spent the morning with Jean-Pierre Cartier, visiting his vines in the steep hills above Gigondas. After climbing the (at times terrifyingly) steep slope up out of town, we visited the parcels from which Cartier crafts his most impressive wine: the Cuvée Florence. It was a reminder of just how physical the work of winemaking can be: a beautiful product of intense and grueling work.
The Cartiers reserve the fruit from these special plots for their “Cuvée Florence,” the flagship wine of their domaine, started 35 years ago after the birth of their daughter Florence (now the winemaker). The wine from this gorgeous and remote corner of the region is easily as impressive as the view. It’s delicious year in and year out, but the 2019 is particularly good.
Josh Raynolds of Vinous calls Goubert “one of the appellations most venerable domaines.” In particular he cites “the 2018 and 2019 versions, the current releases, are superb and in the upper tier of bottlings from those vintages.” We had this open at the warehouse last week and it was terrific – lush, bold, and built for the long haul.
Raynolds gave 94 points, finding “white pepper, incense, espresso,” and “smoke-laced blackberry compote, kirsch and mocha.” We think this wine has a long life ahead of it, but with a decanter and roast of lamb it will disappear from your Easter table with haste.
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Goubert Gigondas “Florence” 2019
bottle price: $52
FREE EAST COAST SHIPPING ON ANY 12 BOTTLES