2023 Domaine Saint-Damien "Les Souteyrades" Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

Professional Reviews

Notes

Domaine Saint-Damien is a historic family estate in Gigondas, farmed by the Saurel family since the early 19th century and today led by Romain Saurel, with organic certification since 2012. Their Gigondas vineyards are spread across several key parcels, including Les Souteyrades, La Louisiane, Le Gravas, and Clos de la Marquise, each contributing distinct expressions of the appellation. These sites feature varied limestone- and clay-rich soils and a high proportion of old-vine Grenache, often complemented by Mourvèdre. In the cellar, traditional concrete fermentations and élevage in large foudres emphasize structure, freshness, and the savory garrigue character typical of top Gigondas. Sourced from parcels located on the lower terraces of Gigondas in the lieu-dit Les Souteyrades, this cuvée highlights the power and structure typical of this stony, well-drained site. The blend is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre from notably old plantings, including Grenache dating to 1948 and Mourvèdre planted in 1977. The wine is co-fermented with an extended seven-week maceration in concrete tanks, building depth, concentration, and tannic framework. It is aged for 12 months in large oak foudres and bottled unfined and unfiltered to preserve texture, purity, and site expression.