Gigondas Vieilles Vignes Domaine St Damien 2023 (750ML)

The Grenache in this Vieilles Vignes went into the ground in 1964, the Mourvèdre in 1977. The 2023 blend is 80% and 20% respectively, farmed organically on Domaine Saint-Damien’s lower terraces at around 150 meters, where limestone, clay and sand run through parcels including La Moutte and La Louisiane. Romain Saurel keeps the cellar traditional: 10% whole bunches, a five-week fermentation on the skins in large concrete vats, then 12 months in 50-hectoliter foudres of old oak, bottled unfined and unfiltered. 2023 was a balanced, classic year, and the wine has that poise. Dark berries and black pepper lead, followed by a resinous, herbal garrigue note and a hint of smoked meat. It is medium- to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannin and lively acidity carrying 14.5% alcohol easily; critics see it drinking well from 2026 into the 2040s. Pour it alongside cassoulet, merguez off the grill, or braised beef cheeks.