1996 Gigondas Cuvee Valbelle

The 1996 Gigondas Cuvee Valbelle (90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, made from 100+ year old vines planted just after the phylloxera epidemic) is aged 50% in new oak casks and 50% in one-year old casks. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered, with extremely low levels (under 20 parts ppm) of SO2. The wine is exceptionally fat, massive, and rich, but possesses no hard edges, with elements of sur-maturite (note the apricot/peach-like notes that compete with the fabulously sweet cassis, kirsch, and blackberries for the taster's attention). Full-bodied and luscious with a velvety texture, great purity, and stunning richness, this may be the Gigondas of the vintage. It tastes like a wine from a great vintage, rather than one from an irregular year. It should drink well for 10-15 years. A Patrick Lesec Selection (Paris fax # 011 33 1 42843822), various American importers