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

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!

Shows a slightly stewed edge, featuring dark rhubarb and plum notes lined with mulling spice. Coffee and singed cedar accents fill in on the finish. Drink now through 2014. 200 cases made, 50 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add

Also outstanding and showing more spice, underbrush and cedar, with plenty of mulled dark berry fruit, the 2011 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged all in old barrels) is medium to full-bodied, nicely textured and has building, fine grain tannin. It too should have over a decade of longevity. Drink 2015-2023. This serious estate is run by Laurent Brotte, with consulting help from Philippe Cambie. The wines offer high quality across the board and can represent fantastic values. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

Another outstanding effort is the dense ruby/purple-tinged 2010 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, from biodynamically farmed parcels in Gigondas. It offers up black raspberry, crushed chalk and spring flower aromas, medium to full body and an impressive style. Laurent Brotte continues to take this historic negociant firm to higher and higher heights in Chateauneuf du Pape. No doubt the hiring of Philippe Cambie several years ago has aided in this dramatic improvement. My recent tastings here revealed very good 2011s and 2010s, the latter perhaps being the finest vintage I have yet tasted from Brotte. Various American importers including Chrissa Imports, South San Francisco, CA; tel. (650) 877-8460; Opici Imports, Glen Rock, NJ; tel. (201) 689-3256; Margaux and Associates Fine Wines and Spirits, Dallas, TX; tel. (214) 380-1731; and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799