Starting off the bottled releases, the 2011 Gigondas Tradition Grand Montmirail is a blend 70% tank-aged Grenache and 30% barrel-aged (10% new) Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault. Beautiful all around, with plenty of sweet raspberry, blackberry pie, jam-covered toast and hints of pepper, this medium-bodied, pure, round and supple effort is perfect for drinking over the coming 5-7 years. One of the leading estates in Gigondas, Domaine Brusset covers roughly 18 hectare in Gigondas, all of which are located in the higher elevation, terraced parts of the appellation. He produces two cuvees, each from single plots; the Tradition Grand Montmirail, which is brought up mostly in tank and cask, and the Les Hauts de Montmirail, which sees more small barrel aging. Laurent Brusset now makes the wines, and both his 2011s and 2012s are incredibly strong. Importer: Simon N Cellars, Charlottesville, VA; tel. (434) 977-4476