1998 REDORTIER 1998

(10-2000)
This blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah is highly successful. Made in a serious vin de garde style, the dense rubypurple-colored 1998 Gigondas is delineated, intense, and smoky, with plenty of meaty black fruit flavors intermixed with spice box and dried herbs. It has put on considerable weight since last year, and needs 2-3 years of cellaring. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2014.