2021 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. Totally opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Jumping out of the glass are intense black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry scents which are complimented by scorched earth, herbs du Provence, black olive and peppered meat notes. Medium to full in body the palate is intensely flavoured but fresher and more elegant than the 2020 releases. Rich black raspberry and liquorice fruits are backed by ripe chewy tannins with some luscious black cherry, scorched earth, dried herb and pepper elements lingering through the back half. Slightly grippy feel with fresh acidity lending an energetic feel to the long robust yet relatively elegant finish.
Cellar 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews…..
Vivid ruby. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes candied red fruits, smoky minerals and lavender; a spicy nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, juicy raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors show good heft, seamless texture and real energy. It finishes spicy and impressively long, with sneaky tannins adding a final grip. This is shaping up to be a highly impressive entry-level bottling, which is not surprising given that this is the only Gigondas that will be bottled this year, so all the juice from the Louisiane and Souteyrades is going into this wine. Get it, lots of it, if you can. Raised in neutral, 50 hectoliter oak foudres.
93-95 Points
Josh Raynolds - Vinous

The only 2021 I was able to taste, the 2021 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a normal blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that's from older vines around the estate, on the lower plateau of Gigondas. A pure, pretty, elegant wine, its medium purple hue is followed by notions of darker berries, violets, and ground pepper. It's balanced, has fine tannins, and is just another fresher, pretty 2021 that will drink nicely in its youth.
91-93 Points
JebDunnuck.com