2008 Gigondas

Benefiting from the inclusion of grapes that normally go into the top cuvee (Font de Tonin), the 2008 Domaine La Bouissiere Gigondas, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, aged in oak cask for 12 months, is a solid, very good wine that yields edgy, peppery notes of black cherry, cedar, lavender, and underbrush on the nose. Well put together on the palate, the wine is medium bodied with solid concentration through the middle, good texture, and a focused, clean finish. Possibly benefiting from a year or three in the cellar, this should drink well for a decade. While not as enjoyable to drink as the Vacqueyras at the moment, I think this will be the better wine in a couple years.

Smudgy light crimson. Very light nose – a little bit of a Figeac.. Very sweet start – very juicy palate – it’s just the nose that is a little low key. But a very juicy mouthful with good balance. Just very slightly tarty. (JR)