Moving to their Gigondas releases, the 2011 Gigondas Terre des Aines is another solid wine from this less than ideal vintage. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre that’s aged two years in concrete tanks, it offers up loads of tobacco leaf, damp earth, leather and dark fruits to go with a medium-bodied, enjoyable palate. Fresh, lively and with good acidity, drink it over the coming 4-5 years. One of my favorite southern Rhone estates, Montirius, which is run by the passionate Christine and Eric Saurel, fashions classic Gigondas and Vacqueyras from their roughly 143 acres under vine, 40 of which are in Gigondas. There is absolutely no wood whatsoever used and aging occurs all in concrete tanks. The wines show classic profiles and are always well made. The 2012s are a step up over the 2011s and offers additional richness and texture. Importers: Ruby Wines, Avon, MA; tel. (508) 588-7007; and Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620