1996 Gigondas

The 1996 Gigondas Cuvee Classique (80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault) is a stunning wine for this appellation and vintage. As Louis Barruol said, most Gigondas vignerons got spooked by the dreary, overcast, drizzly weather and picked too soon. His harvest, which ended in mid-October, produced Gigondas cuvees that averaged between 14%-14.5% alcohol. Barruol is a philosophical as well as candid young man, saying that by waiting in 1996 and 1997, he was able to harvest fully mature fruit, whereas by waiting in 1994, he was ruined by the rain. The saturated ruby/purple-colored 1996 Gigondas Cuvee Classique exhibits a big, thick, juicy, plum/prune, and jammy kirsch-scented nose with pepper, licorice, and mineral scents. Full-bodied, with low acidity and a voluptuous texture, this pure, gorgeously proportioned Gigondas is a star of the vintage. It should drink well for a decade. A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42843822), various American importers