The only 2009 I tasted was the medium ruby-hued, straightforward, elegant, fruity, herbaceously-tinged 2009 Gigondas. It exhibits attractive strawberry and cherry fruit, good freshness for a 2009, and a style that begs to be consumed over the next several years. This was an incomplete tasting from proprietor Philippe Cartaux.Importer: Michael Feuerstein, Pas Mal, Inc., Tenafly, NJ; tel. (201) 567-2028

The 2007 Gigondas Cuvee Tradition exhibits ripe raspberry and cherry fruit intermixed with notes of loamy soil, crushed rocks, and bouquet garni as well as a meaty, dense, chewy texture with no hard edges. It should drink well for 7-8 years. 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

Warm, spicy, earthy. Top-notch, spicy plum fruit. Warm, ripe and chewy tannins, yet with plenty of flesh. Tasty stuff From 2010.