2011 Gigondas Les Racines

Vivid ruby. Pungent, high-pitched aromas of cherry, black raspberry, lavender and cracked pepper, with a bright mineral topnote. Spicy and incisive, with lively red berry and bitter cherry flavors. Silky tannins add grip to a persistent, spice- and floral-accented finish.

The 2011 Gigondas Les Racines (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Cinsault) exhibits a deep ruby color, plenty of raspberry, strawberry, crushed rock and loamy soil characteristics, medium to full body, a soft underbelly and round, rich flavors. This appellation enjoyed a strong vintage in 2011, and this cuvee reflects that. It should drink well for 10-12 years. (Not yet released) Les Pallieres, one of the iconic estates of Gigondas, is now owned (and has been reinvigorated) by the partnership of Vieux Telegraphe’s Daniel Brunier and the well-known American boutique wine importer, Kermit Lynch. Brunier and Lynch have done a fabulous job turning this estate around, and they continue to fine tune what is a complicated, cool climate, high altitude property where the harvest is usually two to three weeks after that of Vieux Telegraphe in Chateauneuf du Pape. As for the red wines, both of the cuvees produced are approximately 80% Grenache, with the Terrasse du Diable coming from vineyards planted at 300-900 meters and Les Racines from lower slopes where there is more clay and less decomposed limestone. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524

In contrast, the 2011 Les Racines comes from older vines, located on the lower portion of Gigondas and around the estate. A blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and Cinsualt, and 5% white Clairette, it has a gorgeous nose of black licorice, big spice, Provencal herbs, and pretty, red berry fruit. Medium+ bodied and more structured than the Terrasse du Diable, with outstanding richness and noticeable back end structure, it will benefit from a handful of years in the cellar, and drink well for a decade or more.