2007 Moulin de la Gardette "Cuvée Ventabren" Gigondas

92 points Wine Spectator: "This dark red still has some grip to shed, as dark fig, currant paste, espresso, bittersweet cocoa and licorice root notes have melded together, driving through the muscular, tarry finish. Should age nicely. Drink now through 2014." 90-92 points Robert Parker: "This unbottled 2007 Gigondas Ventabren exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple color as well as a dense perfume of licorice, herb-infused black fruits, and forest floor, and a deep, full-bodied, powerful mouthfeel. Muscular, dense, and ageworthy, it should be at its finest between 2011-2024." Proprietor, Jean-Baptiste Meunier owns a small estate of 17.4 acres from which he produces a classic Gigondas. Most vintages possess high alcohol levels, so this is not a Gigondas for the faint of heart. The Cuvée Ventabren is composed of 70% Grenache from very old vines, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, with the latter fermented together. This is a wine that ages gracefully, showing fruit and spice in youth and developing more character and complexity with age as the oak recedes. Open the Ventabren in advance and decant to allow it to breathe - you will not be disappointed! The wine has a beautiful garnet color with a gorgeous nose of cherry, licorice, wet stones and a hint of bacon. Wow-this wine has certainly come on strong of late. Tons of black fruit aromas. Big wine with the 20% of Syrah shining through the 70% Grenache and 10% Cinsault. Smooth as glass on the palate. -Clyde Beffa. 14.5% abv.