Gigondas Clovis Saurel Domaine St. Damien 2016 (750ML)

96 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate; "This year, aging in new demi-muids has been magical for the 2016 Gigondas Clovis Saurel. It still shows floral and tea-like complexity and waves of ripe stone fruit, chocolate and licorice but supplements those elements with hints of oak-derived structure. It's full-bodied and creamy textured, rich and concentrated, with a finish that's firm and muscular yet velvety and elegant at the same time. Wow! Tasted twice, with consistent notes." 8/18

91-93 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Vivid ruby-red. Fragrant, mineral-accented red berry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by suggestions of white pepper and pungent herbs. Lovely, focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors deepen and become sweeter with air. Shows solid thrust on the very long, red-fruit-dominated finish, which is framed by supple, harmonious tannins. I suspect that this delicious wine will be very attractive soon after release." 8/18

98 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, wwww.jebdunnuck.com: "Made from 100% Grenache brought up all in demi-muids, the 2016 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is deeply colored and offers an extraordinary bouquet of kirsch liqueur, strawberries, garrigue, crushed flowers, and exotic spices. It's ripe, sexy, opulent and powerful, yet graceful and elegant, with no hard edges, and brilliant tannins. It's a big step up from the 2015 (which is a great wine in its own right) and is one of the true gems in the vintage. Don't miss it!" 9/18