Saint Damien Gigondas La Louisiane 2018 (750ML)

95-97 WA / 94 VM / 92-94 JD

The 2018 Gigondas La Louisiane looks to be another terrific example of this cuvée. Raspberries, black cherries, tea leaves and violets all appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, velvety and long on the finish.

This certified organic estate lost about half its 2018 crop to mildew, according to Romain Saurel, who has gradually taken over the management of the domaine from his parents. As a result, there will be no 2018 les Souteyrades. Thankfully, what there is looks customarily good. Saurel made note of the showers that fell September 4-5, which after a dry summer was, he says, "fantastic for the maturity." The harvest here finished up just before rain fell again on October 10-11. - JC, Wine Advocate

Brilliant ruby-red. Mineral- and spice accented blueberry, raspberry and lavender aromas show fine clarity and pick up a five-spice powder nuance as the wine opens up. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering appealingly sweet dark berry and spicecake flavors that convey a deft blend of depth and energy. Finishes very long and smooth, with slowly building tannins adding shape and gentle grip. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

A bigger, richer wine, the 2018 Gigondas La Louisiane offers medium to full-bodied richness as well as lots of red and black fruits (wild strawberries, raspberries), ground pepper, and violets. A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and the balance Syrah and Cinsault, aging in foudre, it has a great mid-palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. Due to the mildew, no cuvee Les Souteyrades was produced. - Jeb Dunnuck