Domaine Bousquet Gaia Range

Gaia is the Greek goddess of earth, who gives life to all things. While Domaine Bousquet has farmed organically from its first days in the early 1990s and proudly displays its many certifications, this range honors this practice  - and visually cues today's earth-concerned but busy shoppers - with the image of Gaia on the front label. 

Rosé
87
Domaine Bousquet Gaia 2020 Pinot Noir Rosé Gualtallary 13.1% $20
I believe this is the first 2020 wine that I have tasted! A pretty copper pink in bottle, the wine smells of strawberry patch. Not just strawberries, but the leaves and earth....the whole patch. Medium-bodied, it is nicely supported by what initially feels like medium acidity that turns a bit pinchy on the back palate. There are no noticeable tannins. Lively and boisterous fruit, this goes down easily.
Drink: 2020-21 

Reds
89
Domaine Bousquet 2018 Malbec Gaia Gualtallary 14.5% $20
Showing a heady, perfumed nose, this wine dances between succulent sweetness and tantalizing, earthy undertones. There is a clear cobbler fruit note in this wine, especially baked blueberry, as well as some gritty black plum skin. The finish provides a touch of bitterness to contrast the ample mid-palate fruit. Of the three reds, this is the most refreshing. Perhaps that is an odd - though true - comment for wines all clocking in at 14.5%+ abv.
Drink: 2020-23

88
Domaine Bousquet 2018 Cabernet Franc Gaia Gualtallary 15% $20
Utterly unpleasant at first taste, this mercifully did a 180° with a glass out of the bottle and 24 hours of "bottle aeration" back in the wine fridge. The concentrated flavors turned from prune to fresh black currant and blackberries. While there was a perfumed back palate lift, the wine was not very Cabernet Franc flavor-wise.  Nonetheless, this eventually became a pleasant and perfectly drinkable wine. The tannins are creamy and svelte and the lifting acidity is nicely integrated. Though 15% abv, there is no evident heat on the palate.
Drink: 2020-23

88
Domaine Bousquet 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Gaia Gualtallary 15% $20
Decidedly mineral and teeming with blackcurrant flavors, this is a linear and structured wine. Every sip feels focused and streamlined, despite the 15% abv, thanks to elevated tannins and well-placed acidity.There is a juicy pop of blackberries and black cherries in the center palate. The fringe of heat on the disappointingly modest and earthy finish is slightly distracting.
Drink: 2020-23