The 2011 Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues is also superb and shows classic Gigondas spice, licorice, leather and copious red and black fruits. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah aged in older foudre, this medium to full-bodied effort has loads of texture, fine tannin and a decadent, heady finish. It opens up nicely in the glass and should shine for 10-12 years or so. This was a solid tasting with proprietor Yves Gras. One of the benchmark estates in Gigondas, the estate also releases a number of high-quality negociant wines from Sablet, Vin de Pays and Cotes du Rhone. While 2011 and 2012 are strong vintages here, the wines are more streamlines and focused than in the past, and in the case of the 2012s, should benefit from short-term cellaring, as I found most to be closed and tight. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275

This has a sappy feel, with lots of kirsch, cherries jubilee and red licorice notes running together, while fruitcake, raspberry pate de fruit and Campari accents fill the sleek finish. Best from 2015 through 2025. 500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add