Gigondas Grand Grenache 66 2010

Playing it slightly closer to the vest, but with a similar character, is the 2010 Grand Grenache 66. The alcohol is about 1% lower, and the wine has a slightly lower pH and higher total acids. The kirsch liqueur component is there, along with spring flowers, cedar, black currants and some loamy soil notes. It is full-bodied, but not as massive and intense as the 2009. I am sure this wine will put on weight during its elevage in foudres in the cellars of Santa Duc, so it will be interesting to see how it shows next year out of bottle.

Score: 92 - 94

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com 01 October 2011