The 2009 Gigondas Domaine de Carobelle is primarily Grenache with small amounts of Syrah as well as a varietal rarely seen in Gigondas, Cinsault. Aged in tank on its lees for 16 months, it possesses abundant aromas of sweet red and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of cold steel/wet rocks, an intriguing floral note and a fresh, medium-bodied, lively style. Enjoy this fruit-forward Gigondas over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released) This is a well-run large cooperative in Vacqueyras that admirably displays the talent involved. I tasted a dozen separate cuvees from this operation and six of them were potentially outstanding. Most of the others were competent, correct wines. This huge cooperative controls over 1,100 acres in Vacqueyras, and the wines are realistically priced for such high quality. The following six wines should change the mind of anyone with an anti-cooperative prejudice. Importers: Fruit of the Vines, Long Island City, NY; tel. (718) 392-5640; and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (800) 597-1491