The 2011 Gigondas Vieux Clocher is an old vine blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre that’s aged all in foudre. Medium-bodied, sweetly fruited and with savory, chewy tannin, if gives up plenty of sweet spice, cedar, charred earth and black raspberry nuances on the nose. A good to very good effort, it should drink nicely for 5-7 years. This large estate produces a bevy of rich, fruit-forward efforts that remain more than reasonably priced. Looking at the 2011s, this is a solid vintage here and the wines make the most of the vintage, with upfront fruit and texture. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC; tel. (919) 781-1655