Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2017 (750ML)

93 JD / 92 VM / 92-94 WA

The ruby/purple-hued 2017 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a finesse-oriented, medium to full-bodied wine from this estate that has classy notes of dark fruits, kirsch, sappy flowers, and peppery spice. With no hard edges and beautiful balance, it’s reminiscent of the 2011 and will drink nicely for 7-8 years or more. Jeb Dunnuck

Deep ruby-red. Powerful, smoke-accented black raspberry, cherry liqueur and lavender aromas are complicated by a spicy white pepper nuance that builds steadily with air. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering sappy red and blue fruit, licorice and bitter chocolate flavors and an energizing jolt of minerality. Finishes firm and long, displaying harmonious tannins and a lingering cherry pit note.- Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

The 2017 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes was scheduled to be bottled the week after my visit, so I tasted the final assemblage, which is 75% to 80% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre. Scents of crushed stone, pepper and licorice lead the way, followed by intense notes of black cherries and tree bark. It's full-bodied, silky and long, with hints of chocolate that creep in on the finish. It looks suppler than I remember it being last year, and it's for the better. JC – The Wine Advocate