Brotte’s 2012 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (85% Grenache, 15% Syrah) is a smoking effort that does everything right. Full-bodied, voluptuous, decadent and beautifully textured, it has blockbuster levels of plum, roasted herbs, melted licorice and spice. Aged all in older barrels, with only 1,200 bottles to go around, it’s well worth seeking out!

This sports a lively feel, with good cut to the damson plum, raspberry coulis and cassis bush flavors. Fruitcake, singed mesquite and tobacco notes fill in on the modestly grippy finish. Drink now through 2021. 200 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add