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Château Gigault Cuvée Viva 2020
Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux AOC
Across the river from famous Margaux lies the Premières Côtes de Blaye. With Stéphane Derenoncourt as winemaker, this terrific estate is ensuring the region’s wines get the recognition they deserve. Cuvée Viva is a rich, opulent, modern style claret.
Beyond the Label
Tasting notes
Intense cherry and crushed berries with hints of spice and tobacco
Aroma
Very aromatic, ripe plum, blackberry with vanilla oak and spice
Allergy information
Contains sulphites
Château Gigault was acquired in 1998 by Bordeaux's renowned Christophe Reboul, who had purchased Blaye's Château Les Maréchaux the year before. He immediately employed Stéphane Derenoncourt, winemaker at some of Saint Emilion’s greatest estates (La Mondotte, Canon La Gaffelière and Pavie Macquin), as consultant. The château releases two wines – a traditionally made claret and this, their no expense spared Cuvée Viva, named after Reboul's late daughter. Critic Robert Parker described it as “consistently one of my picks as an overachieving wine”, while James Suckling considers it "excellent value". Hand picked, low yield Merlot aged in new oak, this is a rich, velvety, well structured claret. Appealing now; even better with some cellaring.
Critic, 92-93 points
