The 2023 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is 100% Grenache that saw an extended maceration in concrete tanks followed by 15 months in demi-muids. Also gorgeous, with sweet cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, Provençal garrigue, and spring flowers all emerging from the glass, it's medium to full-bodied and has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, beautifully integrated acidity, fine tannins, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's incredibly well-balanced and is just a stunning example of old vine Grenache from this magical region. Drink bottles over the coming 15 years or so.
Product Description:
St. Damien was an early Christian saint martyred in the year 287 A.D.. Later he was considered the patron saint of doctors. There was a chapel dedicated to his honor in the tiny hamlet of La Baumette, just outside the village of Gigondas, where Joel Saurel lives. M. Saurel's predecessors took the name Saint Damien for the domaine. Domaine St. Damien's cuvées of Gigondas have become the reference for classic full-bodied yet fine Gigondas, with consistent and high scores for every vintage. Almost as popular as their high-scoring Gigondas cuvées, are the Côtes-du-Rhône bottlings, considered for their intense concentration and tremendous value. Harvests are later and yields are low. Joel's son, Romain is becoming more and more involved in the winemaking. Their goal is to produce Gigondas expressive of terroir, tradition, length and balance-in short, the best of Gigondas.
