The 2011 Gigondas le Lieu Dit continues to show beautifully and is certainly up with the top southern Rhones from the vintage. Yields were up in 2011 and Julien commented that he dropped 40% of the crop for this cuvee. Aged in older barrels, its medium ruby color is followed by an incredibly finesse-driven, elegant and seamless red that gives up tons of raspberry, sweet kirsch, incense and caramelized cherry aromas and flavors. It's not going to be as long lived as the 2010, but it's nevertheless one thrilling drink today. It's also the first cuvee where you clearly see the change in style from a bigger, richer wine to one based more on elegance and finesse. - Jeb Dunnuck

A ripe, rounded, fruit-driven style, with cherry pie, raspberry coulis and red currant paste flavors studded with singed anise and backed by a red licorice note on the finish. Delivers lovely mouthfeel and solid length. Drink now through 2018. – JM