More modern in style, the 2009 Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail is dominated by old vine Grenache blended with small quantities of Mourvedre and Syrah. Cassis, kirsch, lavender and licorice notes intermixed with hints of graphite and espresso roast emerge from this deep, rich, full-bodied, elegant, pure Gigondas. It should drink well for 10-12+ years. This large and important domaine has vineyards spread throughout the southern Rhone, primarily in Gigondas and its neighboring villages. Domaine Brusset was among the first estates to introduce small barrels (barriques) for aging their top cuvee, the old vine Les Hauts de Montmirail. After an extravagant use of wood in the early days, they have gotten the marriage between wood and fruit to a nearly ideal point. Those with a phobia of oak should seek out the Traditional cuvee. Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, Southern Wine & Spirits, and Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100

More modern in style, the 2009 Gigondas Les Hauts de Montmirail is dominated by old vine Grenache blended with small quantities of Mourvedre and Syrah. Cassis, kirsch, lavender and licorice notes intermixed with hints of graphite and espresso roast emerge from this deep, rich, full-bodied, elegant, pure Gigondas. It should drink well for 10-12+ years. This large and important domaine has vineyards spread throughout the southern Rhone, primarily in Gigondas and its neighboring villages. Domaine Brusset was among the first estates to introduce small barrels (barriques) for aging their top cuvee, the old vine Les Hauts de Montmirail. After an extravagant use of wood in the early days, they have gotten the marriage between wood and fruit to a nearly ideal point. Those with a phobia of oak should seek out the Traditional cuvee.Importers: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476, Southern Wine & Spirits, and Lauber Imports, Somerville, NJ; tel. (908) 725-2100

A broad, fleshy, gutsy style, with a coating of ganache around the core of dark fig, plum and blackberry preserves. A charcoal edge guides the finish. Begs for food and an autumnal evening. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2020. 480 cases made.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add