Jeb Dunnuck – 95 Points
“The two special cuvées are some of the gems in the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes comes from one of the great sites in the southern part of the appellation and is just about all Grenache (there’s some very old vine Syrah, which struggles in this hot terroir). While not up to the out of this world 2016, it has a beautiful bouquet of cassis, kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, garrigue, and peppery herbs. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins as well as loads of character. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 15 years or more.” Aug/2019 —jebdunnuck.com
Wine Spectator – 95 Points
95 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: “Juicy in feel, with a compact, well-built core of blackberry, black currant and plum paste flavors, infused liberally with licorice snap and apple wood notes. A tarry hint underscores the finish, though the fruit stays dominant and driven throughout. Very solid. Best from 2021 through 2038. From France.” Sep/2019 —James Molesworth
Vinous Media 94+ Points
“Youthful violet. Highly perfumed, sharply detailed aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur, floral oils, smoky minerals and exotic spices. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate; sweet red and blue fruit, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors display a suave marriage of power and finesse. Delivers a serious punch of flavor but comes off lithe. The floral and mineral qualities linger on a sappy, wonderfully long finish shaped by smooth tannins.” Dec/2019 —Antonio Galloni
Description
At the origin of our domain there was “Les Galimardes”. This district located in the south of the appellation has always been part of our family. We grow century-old Grenaches, Syrah and several white grape varieties. Authentic terroir of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it is composed of large pebbles rolled on the surface which diffuse a gentle heat in the evening and favor the concentration of the grapes. This cuvée reflects our image, embodying a modern, vibrant and intense style: a promise of richness and power. Galimardes red embraces a refined elegance, simultaneously mixed with power and voluptuousness; for its part, white Galimardes has this racy originality, inherent in great wines.
The Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape stands as a testament to the rich history and wine making heritage of the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the southern Rhône Valley of France. This esteemed winery has crafted exceptional wines for generations, embodying the essence of this iconic wine region.
The origins of Domaine Giraud date back to the late 19th century when the family first established their vineyards in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The Giraud family has since passed down their passion for wine making from one generation to another, ensuring the continuity of their remarkable legacy.
The estate’s vineyards are located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, encompassing approximately 20 hectares of prime terroir. The appellation is renowned for its unique soil composition, characterized by a mosaic of rounded pebbles, known as “galets,” which retain heat and radiate it back to the vines during the night. This distinct terroir, combined with the region’s Mediterranean climate and the influence of the Mistral winds, creates ideal conditions for the cultivation of exceptional grapes.
Domaine Giraud is particularly celebrated for its meticulous vineyard management practices. The family tends to their vines with utmost care and respect for the land, employing organic and biodynamic farming methods. The focus is on preserving the biodiversity of the vineyards and allowing the vines to thrive naturally, resulting in wines that truly express the terroir and grape varietals.
The wine making process at Domaine Giraud is a harmonious blend of tradition and modern techniques. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to ensure the preservation of their flavors and aromas. The estate practices selective sorting to ensure only the finest grapes make it into the cellar.
In the winery, a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels is used for fermentation and aging. This careful balance between the two allows the wines to develop complexity while preserving their fruit-driven character. The estate produces a range of wines, including the renowned Châteauneuf-du-Pape red, as well as white and rosé offerings, each showcasing the unique personality of the appellation.
The wines of Domaine Giraud have received widespread acclaim, both in France and on the international stage. With their depth, complexity, and remarkable balance, they capture the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These wines possess a distinct aromatic profile, often characterized by notes of ripe red fruits, spices, and garrigue herbs, accompanied by velvety tannins and a long, elegant finish.
Today, Domaine Giraud continues to be a family-owned and operated estate, with Marie Giraud and her husband François taking the helm. Their commitment to producing exceptional wines while respecting the traditions of the appellation remains unwavering.
In conclusion, Domaine Giraud stands as a testament to the rich winemaking heritage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Through their deep connection to the land, meticulous vineyard practices, and skillful wine making, the Giraud family crafts wines that are a true reflection of their terroir. With each bottle, wine enthusiasts have the opportunity to taste the history, passion, and unparalleled quality that define the Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape experience.
Wine Advocate (WA)
Influential Wine Criticism for Global Wine Lovers
Founded in 1978 by Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate revolutionized the wine industry with its adoption of the 100-point scoring system. It quickly became the most influential source of wine ratings globally, especially for Bordeaux, Rhône, and California wines. Parker’s precise palate and fearless opinions gained him a loyal readership. Today, under the editorial leadership of Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and a team of regional specialists like Joe Czerwinski and William Kelley, the publication continues to deliver deeply researched, blind-tasted reviews with global reach. It remains subscription-based and independent, with over 30,000 wines reviewed each year.
Wine Spectator (WS)
America’s Leading Wine Magazine and Rating Publication
Wine Spectator has been a staple of the wine world since its founding in 1976 by Bob Morrisey. Purchased shortly after by Marvin R. Shanken, the publication grew into the most widely read wine magazine in the U.S. It is known for its blind tastings, detailed vintage charts, consumer-focused reviews, and accessible scoring system. Its famous “Top 100 Wines” list each year influences buying trends across the industry. With a team of dedicated critics covering nearly every wine-producing region on Earth, Wine Spectator remains a trusted name for both collectors and casual drinkers alike, reaching millions in both print and digital formats.
James Suckling (JS)
Global Critic Known for Rapid Reviews and Bold Ratings
James Suckling spent nearly three decades at Wine Spectator, serving as Senior Editor and European Bureau Chief, before launching his own platform in 2010. Renowned for his fast-paced review style, Suckling and his team rate more than 25,000 wines annually from all over the world — with a strong focus on Italy, Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Chile. His reviews are direct and generous, often accompanied by tasting videos and interviews with winemakers. Suckling also hosts large-scale tasting events around the globe and maintains strong influence on luxury wine buying in Asia, particularly Hong Kong and China.
Wine Enthusiast (WE)
Wine Ratings, Lifestyle, and Buying Guide
Since 1979, Wine Enthusiast has published wine reviews, buying guides, and lifestyle content for both entry-level drinkers and experienced collectors. The magazine evaluates thousands of wines annually using a 100-point scale and offers detailed, easy-to-understand tasting notes. Its team includes regional editors specializing in North America, Europe, and the Southern Hemisphere. Wine Enthusiast also provides wine accessories and hosts wine events. It’s known for its strong online presence and educational tone, making it one of the most accessible and widely read wine publications in the United States.
The Wine Independent (TWI)
Subscription-Based, Critically-Researched Wine Analysis
Founded in 2021 by former Wine Advocate editor-in-chief Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW and wine photographer Johan Berglund, The Wine Independent emphasizes transparency, independence, and long-form, in-depth critical reviews. It operates on a subscription-only model and maintains no advertising relationships, ensuring its opinions are entirely editorial and not influenced by wineries or sponsors. Their reviews, primarily focused on Bordeaux, Napa Valley, and Champagne, feature detailed tasting notes and region-specific insights, and the site aims to be a trusted source for high-end collectors and trade professionals.
Burghound (BH)
Burgundy Expertise and Global Pinot Noir Specialist
Allen Meadows launched Burghound.com in 2001 after a successful career in finance and years of deep study into the wines of Burgundy. His quarterly reports are considered the gold standard for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, especially from France and Oregon. Burghound is highly regarded for its vintage retrospectives, producer profiles, and strict scoring discipline. Meadows is known for revisiting wines across vintages to track aging and performance, providing valuable data for serious collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine (CGCW)
Decades of California-Centric Ratings and Commentary
Founded in 1974 by Charles Olken, the Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine was one of the first American wine publications dedicated exclusively to California wines. It employs a star-based rating system rather than numerical scores, offering short, consumer-friendly reviews with strong editorial consistency. It reviews wines monthly and is particularly noted for its fair treatment of smaller wineries, as well as for educational columns that provide insight into varietals, regions, and vintage perspectives.
Wine & Spirits (W&S)
Restaurant Trends, Trade Tastings, and Thoughtful Reviews
Wine & Spirits Magazine has been publishing since 1982 and is known for its blind tasting panels, sustainable producer features, and restaurant-focused wine trends. The magazine’s annual Restaurant Poll surveys top U.S. restaurants for their bestselling wines, offering unique insight into trade buying patterns. It covers both domestic and international regions with tasting panels led by respected critics, and places a strong emphasis on balanced, food-friendly wines. The publication is widely read by industry professionals, sommeliers, and wine educators.
The Tasting Panel (TP)
Trade-Oriented Publication Blending Ratings with Wine Business Insight
The Tasting Panel is a leading beverage trade magazine that reviews wine, spirits, and beer with an eye toward the business side of the industry. Edited by Meridith May, the magazine blends product ratings with distributor insights, marketing trends, and interviews with industry leaders. Its wine scores often appear in distributor portfolios and retail shelf talkers. Known for a broad palate and market-savvy commentary, The Tasting Panel holds a unique position between reviewer and trade magazine.
Vinous (VN)
Modern Multimedia Wine Criticism with a Global Reach
Vinous was launched in 2013 by Antonio Galloni, a former lead critic at The Wine Advocate. The platform combines written reviews, video content, interactive maps, and tasting notes across a global array of regions, from Barolo to California. Vinous has absorbed other major outlets like Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, expanding its reach and credibility. With contributors like Eric Guido, Josh Raynolds, and Neal Martin, Vinous is widely respected by collectors and industry professionals.
Stephen Tanzer (ST)
Veteran Critic Known for Precise, Classic Palate
Stephen Tanzer was the publisher of the International Wine Cellar for nearly 25 years before merging with Vinous in 2014. Known for his conservative scoring style and deep knowledge of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and U.S. wines, Tanzer remains a respected contributor at Vinous. His legacy includes pioneering English-language coverage of less-celebrated wine regions and maintaining credibility with both trade professionals and collectors. Tanzer’s tasting notes are concise, technical, and valued for their consistency.
Jancis Robinson (JR)
Master of Wine and One of the Most Respected Critics Worldwide
Jancis Robinson MW is a globally recognized wine critic, journalist, and author based in the UK. She was the first person outside the wine trade to earn the Master of Wine title in 1984. Her Oxford Companion to Wine and World Atlas of Wine (co-authored with Hugh Johnson) are essential references in the industry. Robinson serves as wine advisor to the British royal cellar and is known for her scholarly yet accessible reviews and educational content at JancisRobinson.com.
Jeb Dunnuck (JD)
Former Aerospace Engineer Turned Rhône and U.S. Wine Authority
Jeb Dunnuck began his wine career writing a blog focused on the wines of the Rhône Valley and Southern France. He later joined The Wine Advocate before founding JebDunnuck.com in 2017. His publication focuses heavily on U.S. regions such as California and Washington, as well as France’s Rhône and Bordeaux. Known for a generous palate and bold tasting language, Dunnuck provides hundreds of detailed reviews per release cycle, frequently visiting producers and publishing regional deep-dives.
Decanter Magazine (D)
British Wine Authority Blending Criticism and Culture
Founded in 1975, Decanter is the UK’s oldest consumer wine publication. It has built a global reputation for thoughtful commentary, extensive blind tastings, and the annual Decanter World Wine Awards, one of the largest and most respected wine competitions. With contributors including Steven Spurrier, Jane Anson, and Andrew Jefford, Decanter provides wine education, interviews, travel features, and expert reviews. Its editorial voice reflects a balance of Old World tradition and New World curiosity.
Jane Anson (JA)
Bordeaux Specialist and Authoritative Wine Writer
Jane Anson spent nearly 20 years writing for Decanter Magazine before launching her own subscription-based platform, Inside Bordeaux. She is one of the most respected contemporary voices on Bordeaux, having authored “Inside Bordeaux” — a highly praised and scholarly reference work. Anson is noted for her deep engagement with vineyard practices, producer interviews, and regional changes. She holds a diploma from the Bordeaux Wine School and continues to publish detailed tasting reports and essays for…
Tasting Book ~ (TB)
Global Collector-Sourced Ratings and Reviews
The Tasting Book is an international digital platform that compiles wine reviews from professional critics, sommeliers, collectors, and enthusiasts around the world. Launched in Finland, it has grown to feature tens of thousands of wines with reviews from multiple perspectives. Each entry aggregates community feedback alongside professional commentary. Tasting Book is especially valued for its crowd-sourced balance and the ability to compare opinions across tasters. It is widely used by wine professionals, collectors, and auction houses.
