I actually preferred the sample of the domaine's regular bottling to the 2015 Gigondas Cuvee Florence. The Florence is darker and more extracted, more plummy and more tannic but also less vibrant and fresh.

The 2010 Gigondas Cuvee Florence boasts a dense ruby/purple color and appears slightly more concentrated than the 2009 with more structure as well as blacker and bluer fruits, especially jammy dark raspberries, black cherries and black currants. This serious wine will probably shut down slightly, requiring several years of bottle age. It should keep for 12-15 years. (Not yet released)For many decades, this estate owned by Jean-Pierre Cartier has been a reference point for high quality Gigondas. Cartier was among the first producers to experiment with small barrels (for his Cuvee Florence), and he appears to have gotten the equation of oak and the wonderful fruit produced in the southern Rhone correct.Various American importers including: Ansonia Wines, Dover, DE; (no telephone number available) and Gifted Grapes Wines Distribution, New York, NY; tel. (212) 822-8816

Displaying notions of toasty oak as well as copious quantities of cassis, black cherries, licorice and incense, the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2009 Gigondas Cuvee Florence exhibits excellent depth, medium to full body and decent acidity. It should keep for 10-12 years. For many decades, this estate owned by Jean-Pierre Cartier has been a reference point for high quality Gigondas. Cartier was among the first producers to experiment with small barrels (for his Cuvee Florence), and he appears to have gotten the equation of oak and the wonderful fruit produced in the southern Rhone correct.Various American importers including: Ansonia Wines, Dover, DE; (no telephone number available) and Gifted Grapes Wines Distribution, New York, NY; tel. (212) 822-8816

Made in a completely different style, the 2007 Gigondas Cuvee Florence is a packed and stacked wine revealing a dense purple color, and a big, sweet nose of black raspberries, boysenberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, white flowers, and subtle toasty oak. Powerful and rich with noticeable tannin as well as a big, long, structured, fresh finish, it is far superior to the regular cuvee, but it requires 2-3 years of bottle age, and should keep for 15+. Another of this appellation's early contrarians, Domaine Les Gouberts continues to produce a barrique-aged Gigondas as well as a special cuvee.Importer: Gifted Grapes Wines Distribution, New York, NY; tel. (212) 822-8816

The deep ruby/purple-tinged 2006 Gigondas Cuvee Florence exhibits more oak than either of the 2007s, along with hints of figs, pain grille, graphite, raspberries, and cherries. While not as concentrated as the 2007 Cuvee Florence, the 2006 is a medium-bodied, well-balanced, pure effort to consume over the next 6-8 years.One of the first Gigondas producers to utilize small barriques, proprietor Jean-Pierre Cartier was considered a revolutionary twenty years ago, but today he is one of the leaders of the appellation.Importer: Gifted Grapes Wines Distribution, New York, NY