Maison Bouachon is an old negociant house based in Gigondas. It’s now owned by the Skalli family who is trying to raise the level of the wines. This Cotes-du-Rhone cuvee is a promising effort, boasting plenty of black cherry fruit to go with hints of leather and game. The fruit shows a hint of sur-maturite, yet remains fresh, while the mouthfeel is round yet not unstructured. Drink now–2010, possibly longer.——J.C.(12/31/2008)—— 89