Looking at the 2012s from barrel, the 2012 Gigondas Tradition Grand Montmirail (70% tank-aged Grenache and 30% barrel-aged Mourvedre, Syrah and Cinsault) sports great aromatics as well as medium-bodied richness and depth on the palate. Graphite, mineral, smoky black fruits and new leather all emerge here and this supple, pure and nicely concentrated effort has loads of potential. It should have over a decade of longevity. 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