Yves Gras produced only one Gigondas in 2008, the Tradition. This upfront effort displays lots of pepper, garrigue, blueberry, black currant, Provencal herb and crushed rock characteristics in addition to silky tannins. Already drinkable, it should evolve for another 5-7 years. The ebullient Yves Gras put me through a wonderful tasting of all his wines. His negociant operation under the Santa Duc Selections brand continues to expand. As most insiders are aware, the village of Sablet is well-known for its sandy soils and high quality white wines. Gras has produced two very good vintages of this cuvee, which is a blend of 35% Viognier, 35% Bourboulenc and the rest equal parts Clairette and Grenache Blanc. Yves Gras first made his Gigondas Grand Grenache 66 in 2007. An amusing story is that when I took my notes on it, he told me it was going to be called Grand Grenache GG and when I read through my notes, the two G’s looked like two 6's, so I called it Grand Grenache 66. Gras was on vacation when he began getting calls from all over the world ordering the 66 cuvee. He had no idea what that was since he had not made a 2007 Grand Grenache 66, but rather a Grand Grenache GG. To make a long story short, he ended up changing the label on the 2007 to Grand Grenache 66. I’m not sure if he intends to keep that name or not.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Solid for the vintage, with a good core of anise, mulled plum, boysenberry and fig, all laced with sweet spice and roasted apple wood notes. The nicely rounded finish has ample length. Drink now through 2013. 500 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add