Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel. The Saurel family had been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821, and until recently selling all of the grapes to negociants. In 1996 Joel resumed producing wine at the estate and in 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie. Vinification is classic with wines being made in large old cement tanks and aged in either the tanks or large old foudres for the Gigondas. Today the estate is comprised of 42 acres of vineyards of which 30 are in Gigondas. The vines are an average age of 50 years and are very low yielding.
The 2016 Gigondas Les Souteyrades checks in at 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that was aged in a foudre.
Crimson in color. 15% ABV. Savory nose of dark fruits, roasted herbs, garrigue and flowers. Medium to full bodied with just the right amount of acidity. Ripe, plush and well balanced. Kirsch, barbecued meats, blood and white pepper on the palate. The finish is long and silky with notable tannins. Delicious Gigondas but I wouldn’t wait much longer on this wine. Best over the next 2-3 years.
My rating: 92 points.
Domaine Saint Damien wines are well made, fairly priced and somewhat easy to find. Be on the lookout for current vintages.