Similar to the 2001 Traditional Cuvee, the 2001 Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues shows a cooler-climate style in its olive, gamy, cured meat and black currant-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, deep, rich and gorgeously layered, it's impeccably balanced, concentrated and seamless, and while it's starting to show some maturity, it has another 10-15 years of life. It's an incredible Gigondas that readers shouldn't miss.

The luxury cuvee, the 2001 Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues (20,000 bottles produced from a blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre and Syrah), boasts an inky/purple color along with deep, concentrated blackberry and blueberry fruit, crushed stone, white flower, and toasty oak characteristics. Chewy and rich, but not as ripe as the 2000 or 1998, this is a structured, elegant, seamless 2001 that should age effortlessly for 12-15 years. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2017.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083