The 2013 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane Cuvee Prestige Vieilles Vignes is a solid effort in a difficult vintage. A similar blend to the 2014 with 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and 15% Syrah, from higher elevation vineyards and limestone soils, it offers complex notes of red and black currants, licorice, savory Gigondas spice and tons of Provencal garrigue in a medium-bodied, supple, elegant style. It has fine tannin, nice sweetness of fruit in a balanced, elegant style that will keep it drinking nicely through 2023.

There is some toasty new oak in the 2010 Domaine Grand Romane Prestige Vieilles Vignes’s nose, but it did not distract from the abundant notes of spring flowers, red and black fruits, forest floor and earth. Deep, full-bodied, rich and primary with higher acids and lower alcohol than the 2009, it should drink well for 10-12 years. (Not yet released) The well-known firm of Pierre Amadieu has a strong portfolio of Gigondas. A Terrisson Wine Selection Importer : Various importers including Fine Vines - Illinois, Horizon - Massachusetts, Eder Bros and Alan Goodman - Connecticut, Republic National Distributing Company - Texas.

Even more corpulent and opulent, the 2009 Gigondas Domaine Grand Romane Prestige Vieilles Vignes’s dense purple color is followed by notes of charcoal, blackberries, cassis, camphor and forest floor. Full-bodied, thick and juicy with unctuosity as well as loads of glycerin, this is a serious, nearly over-the-top Gigondas to drink over the next 10-12 years. The well-known firm of Pierre Amadieu has a strong portfolio of Gigondas. Importers: Fruit of the Vines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 765-2970, Total Wine & More, Potomac, MD; tel. (301) 795-1000, Cavatappi Distribuzione, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 282-5226, and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799

The most limited offering, the 2007 Gigondas Grand Romane Cuvee Prestige Vieilles Vignes, is a top-flight effort. Its dense plum/purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of licorice, garrigue, black and red fruits, pepper, spice, and toasty oak. Broad, savory, and full-bodied with outstanding concentration, purity, and texture, its tannins and oak component suggest 1-2 years of bottle age will be beneficial. It should keep for 12-15+ years. Importers: Fruit of the Vines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 765-2970, Total Wine & More, Potomac, MD; tel. (301) 795-1000, Cavatappi Distribuzione, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 282-5226, and Transat Trade, Gardena, CA; tel. (310) 516-6799