2015 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.

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre aged in oak foudre’s for 12 months. Totally opaque dark red black colour with a dark red hue. Lifted black cherry and blackpepper scents are overlaid by new leather followed by dried meats, scorched earth and spicy dried herbs. Medium to full bodied, the palate is well endowed with rich black cherry, liquorice and black raspberry fruits. Leather, scorched earth, dried meats and blackpepper elements ensue. Good flesh to the mouthfeel finishing with ripe chewy tannins that provide structure. Excellent power with a long ripe black cherry, liquorice, black raspberry, leather, scorched earth and blackpepper aftertaste.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews….
The 2015 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes offers the most finesse and elegance of the three cuvees, and is slightly less exotic, yet more refined and pretty. Offering lots of strawberry and framboise fruits, loads of cedary spice, full-bodied richness and building, polished tannin, this terrific wine shines for its purity and finesse. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.
93 points
JebDunnuck.com