2021 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes

The 2021 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is the only Gigondas produced by Domaine Saint-Damien in this complicated vintage. On the positive side, that means some old-vine fruit that would usually go into the special cuvées is present in the Vieilles Vignes. The result is an outstanding achievement laced with rose water, red currant and raspberry aromas, complemented by meaty and spicy gradations. Fleshy and polished, this stimulating 2021 red flawlessly integrates its 14.6% alcohol, dazzling with a juicy finish.

The only cuvée released in 2021, the 2021 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is a beautiful, elegant red displaying the charming, supple, layered style of the vintage. Offering notes of Provençal herbs, pepper, and spicy red and black fruits, it's medium-bodied, has ripe, integrated tannins, and a great finish. It's going to drink brilliantly over the coming 7-8 years or so. A domaine located on the lower plains of Gigondas, Domaine Saint-Damien releases four Gigondas, their Vieilles Vignes, which is a blend of the single vintage, two single vineyards, the Les Souteyrade and La Louisiane, and lastly and most recently, the Clovis Saurel. All the wines are largely Grenache and destemmed, and aside from the Clovis Saurel, which is aged in demi-muids, are brought up in foudre and tank. These are brilliant, layered, textured Gigondas that represent insane values.

Vivid ruby. A highly fragrant bouquet evokes candied red fruits, smoky minerals and lavender; a spicy nuance builds as the wine opens up. Sappy and penetrating on the palate, juicy raspberry, cherry and floral pastille flavors show good heft, seamless texture and real energy. It finishes spicy and impressively long, with sneaky tannins adding a final grip. This is shaping up to be a highly impressive entry-level bottling, which is not surprising given that this is the only Gigondas that will be bottled this year, so all the juice from the Louisiane and Souteyrades is going into this wine. Get it, lots of it, if you can. Raised in neutral, 50 hectoliter oak foudres .