The 1996 Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail (the cuvee imported to the United States that is aged for 12 months in 100% new oak casks), is one of the vintage's most intensely-flavored wines. In a year where few vignerons obtained this kind of extract in the southern Rhone, Brusset's wine boasts a black/purple color, and a gorgeous nose of blackberry fruit intermixed with spice and powdered stone-like aromas. There is also a touch of prune in this wine, which appears to have been produced from a very late harvest. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, with layers of fruit, this gloriously expressive, round, generous Gigondas should drink well for 12-15 years. Given the dry tannin in the finish, readers are advised to cellar it for 4-5 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

The 1996 Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail (the cuvee imported to the United States that is aged for 12 months in 100% new oak casks), is one of the vintage's most intensely-flavored wines. In a year where few vignerons obtained this kind of extract in the southern Rhone, Brusset's wine boasts a black/purple color, and a gorgeous nose of blackberry fruit intermixed with spice and powdered stone-like aromas. There is also a touch of prune in this wine, which appears to have been produced from a very late harvest. Full-bodied, rich, and pure, with layers of fruit, this gloriously expressive, round, generous Gigondas should drink well for 12-15 years. Given the dry tannin in the finish, readers are advised to cellar it for 4-5 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083