A 70-30 Grenache-Syrah blend, the 2016 Gigondas Cuvee des Blaches is frankly disappointing in the context of the vintage and what this producer is capable of. Full-bodied and richly concentrated, it has some attractive mocha aromas and espresso flavors, but also scents of adhesive bandages that deliver a metallic note on the finish.

The only 2010 presented was the luxury, old vine cuvee of 2010 Gigondas Cuvee des Blaches. This superb black/purple-colored, full-bodied effort reveals lots of crushed rock, lavender, blackberry and kirsch liqueur characteristics. Displaying abundant concentration as well as extract, it will require several years of cellaring and should drink well for 12-15 years. (Not yet released)This was an incomplete tasting from proprietor Philippe Cartaux.Importer: Michael Feuerstein, Pas Mal, Inc., Tenafly, NJ; tel. (201) 567-2028

A sensational effort made from a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged primarily in 600-liter demi-muids, Domaine des Espiers’ 2009 Gigondas Cuvee des Blaches is one of the superstars of the vintage. Sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, licorice, lavender, crushed rock and forest floor aromas jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied and impressively endowed with a long, textured finish, it should evolve for 10-15+ years. (Not yet released)Importer: Michael Feuerstein, Pas Mal, Inc., Tenafly, NJ; tel. (201) 567-2028

Along with silky tannins, and tremendous flamboyance and opulence, the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2007 Gigondas Cuvee des Blanches offers plenty of kirsch, garrigue, pepper, and earth characteristics in its extroverted aromatics. Full-bodied, dense, chewy, and silky-textured, it should provide early drinkability, yet age nicely for a decade. Philippe Cartoux owns approximately 25 acres of vines planted on the pure limestone/clay soils that dominate the Gigondas appellation. The vines average 40-years of age, and the Cuvee Tradition is generally a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah aged in both tank and small barrels. The Cuvee des Blanches tends to be composed of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that is kept in 500-liter demi-muids. I did not see the 2006s, but the 2007s reveal excellent potential.Various American importers including: USA Wine Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 941-7133; and Cascade Trade, Seattle, WA, tel. (206) 223-0410

The 2003 Gigondas Cuvee des Blaches reveals one of the most saturated purple colors of any 2003 Gigondas. There is a notion of new oak in the nose, but that is overwhelmed by copious quantities of black currants, raspberries, and cherries. Some minerality is present in this full-bodied, attractive, nicely concentrated effort. With more personality as well as depth than most of its peers, it should drink well for 5-8 years.No known American importer.