2016 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.

Powerful and concentrated with lavish black fruits backed by ripe chewy tannins this is an outstanding Gigondas from the extraordinary 2016 vintage.

Dense black dark red colour with a deep dark red hue. Sailing out of the glass are lofty black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry scents which meld into a combination of herbs du Provence, scorched earth, a subtle leather note and pepper. Rich and textured with fantastic concentration and power, layering the palate are black raspberry, black cherry and liquorice fruit, backed by ripe chewy tannins. Elements of earthy leather, dried herbs and spicy pepper also chime in. Sturdy yet opulent mouthfeel finishing very long with lavish black fruits complexed by earth, dried meats, herbs and pepper.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 15%

Other Reviews....
Similarly colored, the 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) offers a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, sappy garrigue, exotic spices, and leafy herbs. It's full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless and silky, with no hard edges and beautiful balance. Checking in as a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre brought up in older foudre, don't miss this beauty!
96 points
JebDunnuck.com