Gigondas Les Souteyrades Domaine St Damien 2023 (750ML)

Aged 12 months in foudres, the 2023 Les Souteyrades is Domaine St Damien's Gigondas from the lieu-dit of that name, built from 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. Raspberry, kirsch and blackberry lead the nose, woven with violets, dried herbs, a cool minty lift and a whiff of cedar pencil. The palate is full and concentrated, yet the texture stays smooth and even from entry to finish, and the flavors hang on for a long time after the last sip. Set against the 2022, which asks for more patience, this vintage should be approachable sooner. Critics put its start at 2026 or 2027, with a run into the mid-2030s. Beef daube, roast guinea fowl with olives or ratatouille make natural partners.