"A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre. The Grenache vines that are used for this wine are over 50 years of age and have been bio-dyanmically farmed for many years now. A sleeper of the vintage, this wine has a deep purple colour with a heady nose of kirsch and blue/black fruit. More of the same on the palate with hints of black pepper and woodsmoke. Surprisingly concentrated for the vintage, this wine is ready to drink now but it will easily age for 3 to 5 years and drink well for up to 7."

"Starting out, the 2011 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Mourvedre that spent 6 months in old foudre followed by a year in concrete tank. Its ruby/purple color is followed by a rich plum and kirsch driven-bouquet, with plenty of smoked meats, wild herbs, violets and spice-cake all emerging from the glass. A supple, heady and character filled Gigondas that has a knockout texture, notable freshness and a solid length, it should have a solid decade of longevity. Drink now-2021."

"While the Vieilles Vignes is a mix of estate plots, the 2011 Gigondas La Louisiane (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre) comes from the La Louisiane lieu-dit located around the estate. Coming all from very old vines and offering up loads of crushed rock, licorice, ground pepper and herbs that are balanced by a sweet core of fruit, this knockout Gigondas has solid mid-palate depth, sweet tannin and a big finish. It too will have a decade of longevity. Drink now-2021."

"Similarly-styled, with a gorgeous perfume of spice-cake, potpourri, licorice, plum sauce, kirsch and pepper, the 2011 Gigondas Les Souteyrades has a broad, expansive mouthfeel, solid overall concentration and full-bodied richness that develops in the glass. It's a quintessential, heady Gigondas to drink over the coming 7-8 years. Drink now-2021."

Located in the tiny hamlet of La Baumette, just outside the village of Gigondas, the vineyards of this estate are situated on what is generally considered to be the "hot corner" of the appellation. This means that year after year, the harvested grapes enjoy a ripeness and richness not always found in other parts of the appellation. These vineyards benefit from great exposure and from an abundance of the "galets" stones, more often associated with Châteauneuf-du-Pape. A large proportion of the vines owned by this estate are over 100 years old and this provides winemaker Joel Saurel with the perfect starting point to make great wines. A traditionalist and a perfectionist, Saurel ferments his wines in either large enamel vessels or traditional "foudres", never in barrel. With tiny yields, the wines made at this domaine are concentrated and absolutely delicious, Châteauneuf-du-Pape in quality without the price tag.