Terme Gigondas 2023

We got a shipment in from one of our vendors recently, and tucked in with it were a few samples. They sat around for a bit without us paying them much attention.

The other night, we were heading out to the grand opening of a new wine bar in town and figured we’d open something before we left. I remembered the samples, and I remembered liking the wines from Domaine du Terme in Gigondas, which happened to be part of the box.

As soon as I pulled the cork, the aromatics jumped out of the glass. The 2023 is juicy and generous from the start, with dark cherry and berries, some spice, and that savory, classic garrigue quality you find in the best of the Rhône. There was real depth to it, but it was the freshness and elegance that I found most appealing, almost Burgundian in texture. It showed none of the hot, baked, overripe character that has really turned my attention away from so many Rhône wines being made these days. By the time we headed out, the bottle was just about gone, if that’s any indication of how much I liked it. The question wasn’t whether we’d bring it in, but how many cases we could get.

It had been a few years since we’d offered Domaine du Terme, and probably just as long since we’d given the Rhône much attention. As the weather cools off, this seems like the perfect wine to reach for when you settle in next to the crackle of a roaring fire.

Domaine du Terme is a family estate in Gigondas that produces several different cuvées. The “Tradition” comes from vines averaging around 45 years old. The 2023 is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged for 12 months in large oak foudres. It’s a classic formula for the appellation, built around old-vine Grenache and a restrained élevage.

We called our vendor the next day and placed an order for their remaining stock. Apparently, this vintage has been turning a few critics’ heads as well: Jeb Dunnuck awarded it 92–94 points, calling it “incredibly satisfying,” and Wine Advocate came in at 91.

Not a bad result for a sample we almost ignored.

I’ll tell you, you could easily spend $50 and not get a wine that offers this much pleasure. At 32.50,itrivalsanyoftheBourgogneRougewe’vebeensellingintheunder-40 category. I’d say back up the truck on this one, but unfortunately I was only able to snag the last 8 cases, so we don’t have the quantity to get too carried away. Those who enjoy the spice of the Rhône but want a wine of elegance and class will want to pick up at least a case. I think you’ll see why we brought it back. Buy with confidence.