Tasted out of barrel, and an incredible looking effort, the 2012 Gigondas Tour Sarrasine should not be missed! A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre that comes from 45-year-old vines, it boasts awesome, spice-laced blackcurrant fruit, underbrush, garrigue and pepper-driven aromatics that flow to a rich, layered and gorgeously concentrated Gigondas. Count me a fan and this should be just as good, if not better than the 2010. It should have 10-12 years or more of longevity. (Not yet released) 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