2007 Gigondas

Opaque ruby. Smoky nose features blackberry, licorice, lavender and herbs. Firm and intense, with impressive sweetness to the chewy dark berry and bitter cherry flavors. Tannins arrive late and add back-end grip. I like the mix of high- and low-pitched fruit notes on the broad, assertive finish. This one's built to age.

The deep ruby/plum/purple-tinged 2007 Gigondas Tradition reveals sweet raspberry and black cherry fruit intermixed with notions of flowers, cedar, garrigue, pepper, and crushed rocks. This full-bodied, lush Gigondas should drink nicely for a decade. Font-Sane owns a total of 38 acres in Gigondas, with vines averaging 50 years of age. The blend of around 70% Grenache, 20-25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre and Cinsault, aged in large wood foudres prior to bottling, is typical for most wines of this appellation. The two cuvees of 2007 are both stunning, and the 2006 is an excellent effort for the vintage. Various American importers including: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, and Martine’s Wine, Novato, CA; tel. (415) 883-0400

Deep ruby. Strongly perfumed, spicy aromas of fresh violet, raspberry, white pepper and minerals. Bright, sharply focused red berry flavors show silky texture and no rough edges. Finishes clean and energetic, with repeating red fruit notes. This reminded me of a rich pinot noir.