The 2005 Gigondas Tradition is slightly more austere, tannic, and dusty. It is concentrated, elegant, and very much in the Yves Gras style of winemaking, but it doesn’t have nearly the charm and finesse of the 2006. But as Gras says, 2005 gave the vignerons some of the highest acid levels they have ever seen. This wine needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep for 10-15. Yves Gras, one of the more charismatic figures of the Rhone Valley, has his own small, high-quality negociant business, and most of the wines merit serious consideration. He has hit a gem with the whites from Sablet, a village that is regarded by insiders as one of the finest sources for dry whites in the southern Rhone.Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Very pure and driven for Gigondas, with a sleek texture to the crushed plum, blackberry and fig fruit. The long, enticing finish lets perfumy notes of black tea, roasted sage and mineral sail on. Drink now through 2014. 300 cases imported.??–JM??Region: France / Southern Rh?ne / Gigondas Select to Add