2011 TOP 25 - Rank #7
Wow! What can I say here, Philippe Gimel of Saint Jean du Barroux is producing such impressive and exciting wines that we had a really hard time picking just one of his wines for out top 25, but we made the tough decision and selected the 2007 Cotes du Ventoux l'Argile. This is hands down one of the best wines I have tasted from Phllippe Gimel. Most of his wines have been more than impressive, but this has explosiveness, which separates it from any I've had in the past. A fantastic blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Carignan and 5% Cinsault. Amazing dark red color. A complex nose of raspberry, spices, pepper, floral notes, cassis, mint and pain grille. Very chewy and mouth-coating with a massive finish. Drinking great now, but will only get better over the next decade. - October, 2011 (MD)