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

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

The modern-styled, black/purple-hued 2005 Gigondas Les Grands Montmirail exhibits aromas of pen ink, graphite, creme de cassis, and espresso. This full-bodied, rich, textured, impressively endowed Gigondas should drink nicely for 10-12 years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 448-9463

The 2000 Gigondas Domaine Le Grand Montmirail possesses a saturated plum/purple color as well as aromas and flavors of plums, blackberries, cherries, earth, truffles, and flowers. It is a soft, succulent, low acid Gigondas to drink over the next 7-8 years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625

The 1999 Gigondas Domaine Le Grand Montmirail is a dense ruby/purple-colored, medium-bodied, plum, curranty, and raisiny-scented and flavored effort with fine ripeness, medium body, and a round, spicy personality. Enjoy it over the next 5-6 years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625