2007 Tardieu-Laurent "Vieilles Vignes" Gigondas (Pre-Arrival)

94 points Wine Spectator: "This is captivating, with fig and hoisin sauce aromas and flavors backed by a riveting graphite note. Superlush but defined, with the black tea, licorice snap and perfumy edge of the appellation all lingering through the velvety, lengthy finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2019." (11/09) 91-93 points Robert Parker: "Michel Tardieu uses about 80% stems in the vinification of the 2007 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes. This dark ruby/purple-hued effort reminds me of the Gigondas cuvees made by the brilliant Yves Gras. Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by notes of raspberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, and flowers. The complex aromatics are followed by a dense, full-bodied wine displaying both power and richness. It should drink well for 8-10 years." (02/09) 90-93 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Inky ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of red berries and cherry lifted by fresh rose, lavender and minerals. Graceful, well-delineated red fruit flavors are shockingly delicate for a 2007. A note of blood orange comes up on the finish, adding even more vivacity. Offers compelling finesse." (Jan/Feb '09) ETA: Late-December 2009.