Moving to the Gigondas releases, the 2011 Gigondas is a straightforward, spicy effort that has good fruit on the palate. There’s not much character here, yet it’s certainly well-made and enjoyable. These are solid, value priced efforts geared towards near-term drinking. Importer: Gabriella Wine Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 579-3945 and Left Bank Wine, WI; tel. (608) 838-8400

This offers a warm ganache frame, featuring a core of steeped plum, boysenberry and blackberry fruit. The finish lets anise and black tea chime in, with a faint echo of mesquite. Drink now through 2020. 2,500 cases made, 2,000 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add