| 92 Points: “Seductive and pure, with glossy boysenberry and red currant gliding through the round palate. Reveals graphite that lines the palate, with dried thyme and lavender adding lift. This is powered by snappy acidity, which keeps this from being heavy or flat. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2035. 20,000 cases made, 10,000 cases imported.” – Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator (February 2023)
92 Points: “As to the reds, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Bel Ami is terrific, with juicy red fruit (strawberries, raspberries), spring flowers, and sappy garrigue aromatics in its
medium-bodied, beautifully balanced profile. I love its purity, it has fine tannins, and outstanding length. Drink this floral, complex 2020 over the coming decade. The blend is 70% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. Maturity 2022 - 2032.
Domaine Guillaume Gonnet is the personal label of Guillaume and Kelly Gonnet. They produce wines from multiple appellations in the Southern Rhône, and the wines are terrific across the board.” – Jeb Dunnuck (November 2022)
FROM THE IMPORTER
According to local archives, the Gonnet family has been settled in
Bédarrides since 1600. Etienne Gonnet and Jeanne Brunier married and created Font de Michelle in 1950. Today the domaine is managed by the grandchild of Etienne, Guillaume Gonnet (3rd generation). Guillaume has travelled the world working in some of the most famous wineries in Bordeaux, Burgundy, Napa Valley, New Zealand and finally in Australia. In 2015 the Guillaume Gonnet – Vigneron wines were created. Guillaume and Kelly purchased their own plots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Guillaume continues to produce wine that reflects his philosophy for winemaking, which is minimal interference with the “terroir effect” by following biodynamic agricultural principles, ensuring the wine is balanced, soft with elegant tannins and very little wood influence.
Winemaker: Guillaume Gonnet
Terroir: Croix du Bois vineyard- round pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone soil and vines of between 50-90 years old. Southeast exposition with density about 2,500 vines per HA.
Vinification/Ageing: 20-30d fermentation and maceration – natural yeast only. Traditional vinification in concrete, stainless steel tank and wood vats. Aged 30% pyramid-shaped concrete vats, 30% wooden vats, 30% stainless steel, 10% demi muids (600L) barrels.
FROM THE WINERY
"We love wine. Opening a great
bottle of wine is the beginning of a wonderful moment.
An exciting conversation, a story being told, hearty, belly laughs and philosphies shared. An intimate dinner, sharing secrets and memories, making promises and plans, re-living moments of nostalgia. It’s the moment when you are finally relaxing together after a busy week, or the beginning of a great night with friends. It’s the moment you fill your glass with a world of aromas, a mouthful of pleasure. You travel to a far away place, without leaving your chair. The moment you take a sip and feel where the wine came from; the sun in your mouth, smell the wild thyme and rosemary surrounding the vines, taste the rich, ruby colored Grenache. You feel the dry, mistral wind concentrating the fruit on the old, twisted vines, the wine is exploding with flavor. A great wine is a wonderful moment. That’s what wine is to us."
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Grape Composition: 70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault
Vinification: Traditional, in concrete vat, stainless steel tank and wood vat
Destemmed or not: 60% to 100% stems removed
Ferm: Natural
Vineyard: Croix du Bois
Aging: 30% pyramid shaped concrete vats, 30% wooden vats, 30% stainless steel, 10% demi muids (600L) barrels
Soil Composition: Round pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone soil
Exposition: South East facing
Vine Age: 50 to 90 years old
Density: 2500 vines per HA
Harvest type: Hand Picked (A.O.C Obligation)
Malolactic – yes/no: Yes
Residual sugar: Less than 2 grams per litre
Alcohol percentage: 14.5%
TASTING NOTES
Soft round tannins, a very elegant wine. Red and black fruit bouquet (cherries, blackberries), hints of garrigues, Christmas cake and peppery spice. A fine wine. This wine will open up beautifully if decantered at least 1 hour before serving
FOOD PAIRING
Provençal Daube, Coq au Vin, Magret de Canard (Duck Breast), charcuterie such as Parma ham, spicy sausage and a selection of cheeses, such as Comté and Beaufort
CELLARING
10 to 15 years
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