Starting with the 2011s (all of which had yet to be bottled), the 2011 Gigondas Chapelle St. Arnoux is impressive. Made from 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre, aged all in concrete, it offers up classic black cherry, licorice, spice-box and dried tobacco in a medium-bodied, fresh, sweetly fruited and focused style. Showing fine, ripe tannin and an overall elegant profile, it should evolve gracefully for 5-6 years or more.
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