Tasted out of barrel, the 2011 Gigondas Tour Sarrasine (same elevage/blend as the 2010) comes from higher elevation, terraced vineyards and is a blend of 75% Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre, aged 24 months in concrete tank. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully textured, focused and with bright acidity and notable tannin, this classic, age-worthy effort offers notions of underbrush, damp earth, ground pepper and spice as well as a core of vibrant fruit on the nose. Drink it over the coming decade or more. Founded in 1905, Clos des Cazaux is run today by Maurice Vache and his two sons, Jean-Michel and Frederic. Covering roughly 60 acres in Gigondas and 37 in Vacqueyras, this estate produces a number of cuvees, with the style being predominantly traditional; however, some new oak barrels are used for the Syrah. This is a rock-solid lineup of wines. Importers: Kysela Pere et Fils, Winchester, VA; tel. (540) 722-9228; Arborway Imports, Lexington, MA; tel. (781) 863-1753; and Riservati, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 623-5758