Wine advocate 93 points. Deeper and richer, with knockout notes of black raspberry, creme de cassis, spice-box, roastedmeats and hints of vanilla bean (this cuvee sees roughly 25% new oak), the 2011 Gigondas Valbelle is full-bodied, seriously concentrated and has a core of sweet fruit that carries through the finish. Still with some oak to integrate, as well as plenty of tannin, this beauty can be enjoyed anytime over the coming decade. The amazing 2011 Gigondas Valbelle illustrates what a strong vintage Louis Barruol produced in this more challenging harvest. Deep berry fruit, melted licorice, camphor, white chocolate, boysenberry, blackberry and smoked duck-like characteristics are found in this rich, full throttle red.
