This is another vineyard owned by the famous negociant Dourthe. La Garde typically represents outstanding value combined with reasonably good quality. The 2011 reveals a beguiling, flattering, precocious, up-front nose of plums, black cherries, kirsch, spice box, smoke and earth. Medium-bodied with velvety tannins as well as a gentle, but authoritative finish, this delicious sleeper of the vintage can be drunk over the next 10-12 years.

Very good concentration of ripe vineyard fruit. A classy impression. Drink 2014-2020. (16-plus points)