The superb 1995 Gigondas Cuvee Florence boasts a blockbuster nose of pain grille, violets, flowers, blackberries, and kirsch. Full-bodied, super-concentrated, extremely pure and unevolved, this opaque purple-colored wine is just hinting at its overall potential. The wine possesses brilliant balance, sweet tannin, enough acidity to provide vibrancy and uplift, and a finish that lasts for 30+ seconds. There is some tannin to be resolved, but this large-scaled, beautiful Cuvee Florence is the finest Jean-Pierre Cartier has made since his sensational 1985 (which I last drank in July, 1997, and still rated it 91 points). The 1995 should be at its best between 2001-2017.Jean-Pierre Cartier, who did so much to bring attention to the high quality wines of Gigondas in the eighties, seemed to slump at the end of that decade and the beginning of the nineties, but he has made a strong comeback with his current releases. Cartier produces more wines than just Gigondas, turning out one of the finest Viogniers of the southern Rhone, in addition to making very good wines in Beaumes de Venise and Sablet. His top wine is the Gigondas Cuvee Florence, a wine made from a selection of the best lots, and named after his fiery-haired daughter.Importer: A Christopher Cannan Selection, Europvin USA, Watertown, MA; tel. (617) 924-7620