The 2011 Gigondas Seigneur de Lauris is a blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah that’s aged in 2-year-old barrels. Ripe, fruit loaded and with loads of charm, it dishes up licorice-laced berry fruit, toasted bread and assorted spice-driven notes to go with a medium-bodied, balanced and nicely textured profile. Upfront and ready to go, enjoy it over the coming 5-6 years. This large estate produces a bevy of rich, fruit-forward efforts that remain more than reasonably priced. Looking at the 2011s, this is a solid vintage here and the wines make the most of the vintage, with upfront fruit and texture. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC; tel. (919) 781-1655