Based in Gigondas since 1936, The Gabriel Meffre House is known for a sustainably and socially responsible approach.

Their style of wine is round, generous and approachable from the young while delivered age worthy characters. It is embodied by their vision ‘Semper Voluptas‘, engraved on the bottles = always a pleasure.

Laurus means ‘Laurel’ in Latin, a Roman symbol of excellence. Here excellence is all about “terroir”: the grapes are grown on plots we select for their ability to express the very best of each Appellation. The term “terroir” encompasses a soil, a climate and people . Here it is expressed through sustainable partnerships with wine-growers who share our vision. The maturing process in 275-litre Laurus barrels refines the structure, producing complex wines with plenty of character and good cellaring potential.

Grenache grapes come from ancient gravelly terraces bording the Ouvèze river (Quaternary period) at the West of the appellation (strength, fruity and spicy notes). The Syrah is produced in the “Pourra” sector at the East, on a soil of limestone and marl from the Cretaceous period (freshness and minerality).

BLEND: 50% Grenache, 45% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre

AGE OF VINES: Average of 32 to 50 years

WINEMAKING: Entirely manual havesting, followed by full destemming and crushing. Stabilised temperature-controlled fermentation at 30°C. 28 days of maceration with pumping-over and rack-and-return for the Grenache and punching down and rack-and-return for the Syrah. The Syrah is then aged in 275-liter Laurus oak barrels (new barrels and 1-year barrels) for 15 months, for 60% of the cuvee.

“Violets and raspberries perfume this soft, pretty wine full of sun-kissed berry and cherry flavors.” – Wine Enthusiast, March 2018

Service: Serve at around 15°/16°. Recommend opening an hour before serving. Best enjoyed between 2017 and 2023

Food Pairings: Duck breast with green pepper sauce, Roasted pigeon from La Lance mountain (Drôme department)

Robert Parker – Wine Advocate – 90-92pts

‘Meffre’s 2017 Gigondas Laurus is typical for the bottling, with exotic, almost tropical notes derived from the combination of ripe fruit and the special barrels for which the cuvée is named. Floral top notes accent stone fruit and raspberries, while the palate is medium to full-bodied and creamy in texture, turning to silk on the finish.’

Jeb Dunnuck – 93-94 points

Vinous – 93 points

Wine Spectator – 92-94 points