From the Cotes du Ventoux, Tardieu continues to make a delicious Grenache-dominated wine, the 2010 Gigantis. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color along with loads of black fruits intermixed with hints of smoke and white chocolate, delicious flavors and a full-bodied texture with loads of fruit. It is meant to be drunk in its first 2-3 years of life. Michel Tardieu has excellent relationships with many growers in the southern Rhone, which is reflected in the quality of his three cuvees of Cotes du Rhone as well as what he accomplishes in Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape. He normally makes three cuvees of Chateauneuf du Pape, but I only tasted two on my recent visit.Importer: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661

This sleeper selection made by Philippe Cambie and Michel Tardieu is an inexpensive, widely available, superb, hedonistic blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Offering copious aromas of blackberries, licorice, spring flowers, kirsch and lavender, it is a delicious, boisterous, exuberant, medium to full-bodied 2009 Cotes du Ventoux to enjoy over the next 2-3 years. (Not yet released)No known American importer.

Michel Tardieu’s 2007s have long been sold out, except for one of the best buys in the entire portfolio, his 2007 Cotes du Ventoux Gigantis. A blend of Grenache and Syrah, it is a full-bodied, richly fruity, bistro-styled red of impeccably high quality. From high elevation vineyards, lots of cassis, black cherry, licorice, and subtle smoke as well as earth make this a delicious, round wine to enjoy over the next several years. Previously recommended in issue #179, but not tasted out of bottle: 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale (94-95), 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (92-94), 2007 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Speciale (91-93), 2007 Cotes du Rhone y Louis (91-93)Importers: Wilson-Daniels, St. Helena, CA; tel. (707) 963-9661 and Colleen Connors-TimkoS.R. Perrott inc, 4 North Perrott Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, 386-672-2275 ext 196

This brainchild of brilliant oenologist Philippe Cambie is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from the up-and-coming area of the Cotes du Ventoux. A brilliant wine with wonderful freshness and elegance, but superb concentration of black cherry fruit, the wine is medium to full-bodied and has a savory, supple texture as well as a heady finish. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.No known American importer.

The 2003 Gigantis from the Cotes du Ventoux is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. It is a crisp, elegant, deep ruby/purple-colored wine that shows plenty of blackberry and cherry fruit, sweet tannin, and surprising flavor authority and density. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. Importers: Martin Scott Wines, Little Neck, NY; tel. (516) 327-0808 and Stacole Fine Wines, Boca Raton, FL; tel. (561) 998-0029