The 2012 Gigondas Domaine de Carobelle is a blend of 72% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 8% Cinsault, all of which was aged, on lees, in tank. It offers a big, sweet bouquet of red and black fruits, mushroom, damp herbs and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied, rounded, forward and already delicious, enjoy it over the coming 3-5 years.

The 2009 Gigondas Domaine de Carobelle is primarily Grenache with small amounts of Syrah as well as a varietal rarely seen in Gigondas, Cinsault. Aged in tank on its lees for 16 months, it possesses abundant aromas of sweet red and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of cold steel/wet rocks, an intriguing floral note and a fresh, medium-bodied, lively style. Enjoy this fruit-forward Gigondas over the next 3-4 years. (Not yet released) This is a well-run large cooperative in Vacqueyras that admirably displays the talent involved. I tasted a dozen separate cuvees from this operation and six of them were potentially outstanding. Most of the others were competent, correct wines. This huge cooperative controls over 1,100 acres in Vacqueyras, and the wines are realistically priced for such high quality. The following six wines should change the mind of anyone with an anti-cooperative prejudice. Importers: Fruit of the Vines, Long Island City, NY; tel. (718) 392-5640; and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (800) 597-1491

A new name for me, this 20-acre estate, planted with 80 % Grenache and the rest Syrah and Cinsault, turned out a gorgeous 2006 Gigondas which has a deep ruby/plum color, a sweet kirsch nose intermixed with some crushed rocks, soil undertones, a hint of cold steel, and some spring flowers. The wine is medium to full-bodied, has excellent ripeness, good acidity, and a soft, long finish. This is very impressive wine. Importers: Fruit of the Vine, New York, NY, and Vintner Select, Cincinnati, OH; tel. (800) 597-1491