Made from 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre kept in foudre (14.3% alcohol achieved naturally), the 1999 Gigondas is an elegant, perfumed, dark ruby-colored effort with full body, sweet tannin, and a layered, velvety texture. Notes of smoked herbs, black cherries, kirsch liqueur, and minerals are found in the beautiful wine, one of the finest of the vintage. It should drink well for 10-12 years. Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel (510) 524-1524