Gigondas La Louisiane Vielles Vignes Domaine St. Damien 2016 (750ML)

94 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane is looking a bit more structured and tannic than it did last year. It's full-bodied, rich and creamy across the mid-palate, then firms up adding hints of licorice and chocolate along the way. It does have the ripe stone fruit and berry notes to sustain it over time, so give it a couple of years (maybe even four or five) to relax and unwind that tightness on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes." 8/18

93-95 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Deep ruby. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet evokes fresh red and dark berries, incense and potpourri, along with smoky mineral and garrigue notes that emerge with air. Juicy, impressively concentrated black raspberry, cherry preserve and lavender pastille flavors show superb depth and stretch out and turn livelier on the back half. Shows superb clarity and spicy cut on a very long, smooth finish framed by velvety, even tannins." 8/18

96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "Deeply colored, the 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane comes from single vineyard on the lower plain, not far from the estate, and is 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and the balance Syrah and Cinsault. It offers a classic bouquet of dark berry fruits, peppery herbs, garrigue, and obvious minerality. Reminding me of the 2010 with its pure, straight style, it's full-bodied and elegant on the palate, and is going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age." 9/18