🍷 Visit at Saint Jean du Barroux — Tasting Highlights 10.06.2026

A deep dive into the terroir‑driven wines of Philippe Gimel

My visit to Saint Jean du Barroux on June 10th, 2026, offered one of the most detailed and fascinating tastings of the entire trip. Philippe Gimel presented multiple flights across vintages, colors, and single‑parcel wines — each showing the precision, purity, and aging potential that define this exceptional domaine at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

🍇 First Flight — La Montagne Blanc (2017, 2019, 2023, 2024)

A vertical tasting of four vintages of La Montagne revealed how beautifully this white evolves over time.

2024 (barrel sample)

Light color, very fruity, softer acidity.
Special note: More Clairette used due to reduced Grenache Blanc yields.

2023

Yellow hue, excellent acidity, vibrant fruit — my favorite of the flight.

2019

Golden color, drinking beautifully now with light acidity and subtle herbal notes.

2017

Golden, expressive, with hints of licorice and spices.

🌸 Second Flight — NV Caladoc Entrevon Rosé

A unique rosé made from 100% Caladoc, blending 2/3 from 2023 and 1/3 from 2024.
Silky, elegant, and hard to categorize — but absolutely delicious.

🍷 Third Flight — Red Lineup 2023

A clear showcase of the domaine’s terroir and precision.

La Source 2023

Light acidity, bright red fruit, and remarkable tannins.

L’Argile 2023

Very soft, fine tannins, red‑fruit driven — elegant and approachable.

La Pierre Noire 2023

Red and black fruit, ground pepper, fine tannins — my favorite of the lineup.

🪨 Fourth Flight — Single‑Variety Wines (Syrah & Grenache)

2023 Syrah Grippières — 100% Syrah

From the southern foothills (“Grippières”).
Roasted meat, red fruits, firm tannins, great acidity.

2023 Syrah Saint Jean — 100% Syrah

From the northern foothills (“Saint Jean”, formerly Oligocene).
Violets, rosemary, red & black fruits, vibrant acidity.

Both Syrahs show the terroir’s potential in two completely different expressions — and both are outstanding.

2021 Grenache Bois Long — 100% Grenache

Near the Dentelles de Montmirail.
Ruby color, expressive cassis & cherry, good acidity, fine tannins.

2023 Grenache Bois Long — 100% Grenache

Darker ruby, more tannic due to youth, but already accessible and elegant.

⭐ Fifth Flight — The Special Bottles

2020 Syrah Saint Jean — 100% Syrah

Smoke, tobacco, meat, black fruits, and excellent acidity — powerful and refined.

2013 L’Argile

After more than a decade: still fresh, with red fruits, pepper, and impressive tannin structure.
A perfect demonstration of the aging potential of Philippe Gimel’s wines.

I have several older bottles of La Pierre Noire myself — and opening one is always a pleasure.

🌟 Conclusion

This tasting at Saint Jean du Barroux was a masterclass in terroir expression. From vibrant whites to structured reds and age‑worthy Syrah and Grenache, everyone will find a wine that fits their taste.
A truly great day — and another reminder of why Philippe Gimel’s wines belong among the Rhône’s most characterful and authentic expressions.