Very deep black ruby with violet highlights. Needs substantial airing to open up, but then displays stunningly pure nose of black fruit and cassis, along with a pure garrigue scents (that fragrant smell that permeates the landscape of the southern Rhone and Provence consisting of herbal scents being blown over dry, rocky soil) and flowers. Intensely flavored yet seemingly lithe in the mouth, with bone dry, smoked mineral-infused blackberry extract. Tight and lean, it has good acidity, lots of micro-tannin, and a long, pure finish. This will age nicely for another 5 years of so. A-(+). Got this from Wineaccess.com several months ago.
2009 Xavier Vignon GIGONDAS (Southern Rhone, France)
Very deep black ruby with violet highlights. Needs substantial airing to open up, but then displays stunningly pure nose of black fruit and cassis, along with a pure garrigue scents (that fragrant smell that permeates the landscape of the southern Rhone and Provence consisting of herbal scents being blown over dry, rocky soil) and flowers. Intensely flavored yet seemingly lithe in the mouth, with bone dry, smoked mineral-infused blackberry extract. Tight and lean, it has good acidity, lots of micro-tannin, and a long, pure finish. This will age nicely for another 5 years of so. A-(+). Got this from Wineaccess.com several months ago.