Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2016 (1.5L)

96 JD / 93 WA / 92 WE / 92 VM

#17 Jeb Dunnuck Top 50 Reds of 2018

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! Jeb Dunnuck

More flattering and easier to drink than the La Louisiane at this stage, the 2016 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, all aged in foudres. Hints of mocha and caramel add sweet richness to the ripe black cherry flavors and notes of mushroom, chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied, creamy textured and richly concentrated, it's long and velvety on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. JC – The Wine Advocate

While not from the producer's oldest vines, this bottling is comprised mostly of fruit from 40-year-old Grenache planted on the lower terraces of Gigondas. Its black fruit flavors are plump and round, smoothed over by yielding acidity and a luscious, mouthclinging texture. Fine, grippy tannins lend structure to the finish. An approachable but deeply satisfying wine for now–2026. - Wine Enthusiast 

Full, bright-rimmed red. Displays ripe raspberry and boysenberry qualities on the powerfully scented nose, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Fleshy and broad in the mouth, offering sappy red/dark berry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors that slowly firm up on the back half. Lingers with strong tenacity on the finish, which features sneaky tannins and resonating raspberry and floral notes. JR - Vinous Media