2010 Gigondas Cuvee Tradition

A rocking Gigondas that delivers the goods - and then some - is the 2010 Gigondas. It offers full throttle, petal to the metal notes of creme de cassis, black raspberries, spice, licorice and background meatiness, all while showing the purity, precision and focus of this brilliant vintage. Possessing full-bodied richness, a big mid-palate and a layered textured, with building tannin, it's still an infant and needs another 2-3 years to be approachable, yet will cruise for over a decade after that.

Vivid ruby. Blackberry and cherry pit on the pungent, spice-accented nose and in the mouth. Fleshy but focused, with excellent clarity and thrust. Becomes sweeter with air and finishes with impressive energy and gentle tannic grip.

Bright violet color. Sexy, highly complex scents of black raspberry, blueberry, truffle and incense, with a sexy floral overtone. Weighty yet energetic, offering sweet red and dark berry flavors complemented by suave candied lavender and spicecake qualities. Lively, fresh, focused wine, finishing with strong spiciness and a lingering note of smoke-accented red berry preserves.