Today we focus our spotlight on one of Washington’s top winemakers, Gilles Nicault. Nicault’s family has a history in agriculture dating back to the 1930s in Africa. Growing up Gilles was exposed to the great wines of the Rhone Valley by his father who was an enophile, particularly enjoying the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Gilles became infatuated with those wines as well and made the decision to study winemaking and viticulture at the acclaimed University of Avignon. It was a huge move for Gilles to move to the United States and he landed in Walla Walla back in 1994, working for Woodward Canyon. Studying under the guidance of eminent Washington wine icon Rick Small he knew there was unparalleled potential in Washington wine.
Washington wine visionary Allen Shoup hired him as the first and only winemaker for Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, and for many years he has served as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture there, making some of the finest wines that Washington State has to offer.
Côte Nicault is a limited production, Rhone inspired wine that Gilles makes each year. The wine is all about balance between Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah. I love the stunning 2021 Côte Nicault Red Wine (OB, 97) which is the finest rendition of this wine that I have tasted yet. Learn more about these great wine at https://www.cotenicault.com and here is the great new future release by Côte Nicault.
2020 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Red Wine- The 2020 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ is a stunning wine from this tough vintage. 100% Grenache sourced from Red Mountain, only 69 cases of this special bottling were made. Red currants and garrigue mark the nose with tar and tobacco leaf. The palate is silky and refined with serious texture, verve and bright acidity. A glorious core of red fruits greets you on the palate alongside orange rind and menthol notes. Enjoy this beautiful wine now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2030- 97
2021 Cote Nicault Red Wine- The 2021 Cote Nicault is equal parts Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah sourced from Red Mountain. On the nose this takes on layers of dark currants and scorched earth with fresh sage and Mandarin orange zest. The palate walks a tightrope between smoked meats and charcuterie alongside bright citrus zest, wild strawberry and cran-pomegranate flavors. The viscosity and underlying verve is there, as this takes on a slightly hedonistic bent from this warm vintage on Red Mountain. Enjoy this heavyhitter of a wine now and over the next ten years. Drink 2024-2034- 97
2021 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Mourvedre- The 2021 ‘Full Disclosure’ is a unique, 100% Mourvèdre wine coming from Red Mountain. Green peppercorns and bacon fat mark the nose alongside boysenberry fruit tones and shades of creosote. The palate is soft, round and generous with terrific underlying acidity and a refined texture that makes this effortlessly glide throughout the drinking experience. Glorious now, savor this beauty over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2034- 97
2022 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Red Wine- The 2022 ‘Full Disclosure’ is a co-ferment of Grenache and Mourvèdre that comes from the Red Haven Vineyard on Red Mountain. White pepper and red currant jelly alongside orange peel, tobacco leaf and shades of charcuterie all fill the palate. The viscosity and verve is absolutely dazzling. Enjoy this stunning wine now and over the next ten plus years to come. Drink 2024-2036- 97