2010 Gigondas

Vivid purple. A wild, exotic perfume of red and dark fruit liqueur, incense and potpourri, with an intriguing note of apricot emerging with aeration. Deeply pitched black raspberry and blueberry flavors stain the palate and are lifted by juicy acidity. The floral quality comes back strong on the long, supple finish, which shows excellent energy and clarity.

Also brilliant and possessing the same level of wild funk, the 2010 Domaine du Cayron Gigondas (same blend and elevage as the ’11) is locked and loaded with aromas of leafy herbs, white pepper, big minerality, and leather that is supported by a core of both red and black fruits. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and yet rich and very long, this will not be for everyone given the wild quality on the nose, yet possesses a singular character; it will drink well for 10-15 years.

(70% grenache, 15% cinsault, 14% syrah and 1% mourvedre, none of it destemmed; raised in foudres): Bright violet color. Highly perfumed scents of fresh red berries, cherry and apricot pit, with intense floral and spice notes adding complexity. Juicy and focused, with palate-staining red and dark fruit flavors complicated by notes of lavender and allspice. Shows very good clarity and energy on the finish, with the floral and spice notes repeating.