When Burgundian Denis Chéron bought a négociant operation in Vacqueyras in the 1960s, he probably didn't expect to end up owning one of Gigondas' most spectacular properties. When the owner of Domaine du Grand Montmirail retired, he had offers from every direction for his prime parcels in Gigondas. He chose Denis—not the highest bidder, but the most loyal partner.

The property Denis acquired reads like a vignerоn's fantasy. Vineyards climbing the southern slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail, those dramatic limestone cliffs that look like a stegosaurus’ back. Altitudes are between 300-350 meters here—among Gigondas' highest, where cool mountain air preserves the acidity that most Southern Rhône wines burn off in the summer heat. A natural amphitheater blocks the brutal Mistral while maximizing sun exposure. Three underground springs ensure the old vines never stress, even in drought years.

Denis’ son Yves took over in the 1980s, fresh from wine school in Beaune with dangerous ideas about bringing Burgundian elegance to Gigondas. He converted an old convent on the property into his home—imagine waking up to views of Mont Ventoux every morning—and set about making the most natural, intense Gigondas he could summon.

"Les Deux Juliettes" showcases everything special about this place. The blend is 80% Grenache from vines planted in the 1950s, plus 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre for structure and spice.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

• Altitude is Everything: At 350 meters, these are nosebleed vineyards by Gigondas standards, an amphitheater of old vines high on a cliff. That elevation means cold nights, preserving the bright acidity that makes this wine so bright and refreshing, not heavy and pruny.

• Burgundian Touch: Yves learned winemaking in Beaune, and it shows. This has the concentration of great Gigondas but the elegance of Gevrey-Chambertin—a combination seldom seen in the Southern Rhône.

• Old Vines, Low Yields: 65-year-old Grenache vines crank out very small yields of intensely concentrated juice, jumping from the glass with aromas of sweet cherry kirsch liqueur, garrigue, plum, and an exotic, Vosne-like quality that we find so captivating.

• What Tariffs? Most Gigondas this good costs $40 and up. Good Châteauneuf-du-Pape starts at $50. “Les Deux Juliettes” seriously outperforms its price point, making a case buy such a great play.

HOW TO SERVE IT

• Serve at 58-62°F.

• Drink now through 2032. It's gorgeous today—supple, elegant, long—but will develop even more complexity over the next decade.

• For pairings, think hearty fare like cassoulet, or lamb shoulder stifado over rigatoni.