2020 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel whose family has been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821. Until relatively recently they sold all of their grapes to negociants. In 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie and haven’t looked back. Of the estates 42 acres of vineyards, 30 acres are in Gigondas with vines that have an average age of 50 years.
A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre matured in large old foudres for a period of 12 months. Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Heady black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry aromas fill the nostrils with scorched earth, herb du Provence, subtle dried meat and pepper notes also chiming in. Rich, concentrated black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice fruits overlay, scorched earth, peppered dried meat characters and spicy dried herbs. Ripe muscular tannins provide robust structure. Excellent power with a long succulent spicy pepper infused aftertaste that carries a chewy feel.
Drink over the next 6-8 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
Looking at the Gigondas releases, the 2020 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes doesn’t give anything to the two single vineyard releases and offers awesome aromatics, full-bodied richness, a round, lush, yet pure mouthfeel, and ripe yet certainly present tannins. It’s loaded with Provençal, garrigue, and peppery goodness, and it’s going to be a brilliant value. This cuvée is an 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre raised all in foudre.
95-97 points
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