A sensational effort made from a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah aged primarily in 600-liter demi-muids, Domaine des Espiers’ 2009 Gigondas Cuvee des Blaches is one of the superstars of the vintage. Sweet black cherry and black currant fruit, licorice, lavender, crushed rock and forest floor aromas jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored wine. Full-bodied and impressively endowed with a long, textured finish, it should evolve for 10-15+ years. (Not yet released)Importer: Michael Feuerstein, Pas Mal, Inc., Tenafly, NJ; tel. (201) 567-2028