Gigondas Clovis Saurel Domaine St. Damien 2023 (750ML)

The Clovis Saurel bottling from Domaine St. Damien carries the name of the domaine's founder, and Romain Saurel makes it entirely from old-vine Grenache. The 2023 went through an extended maceration in concrete tanks before 15 months in demi-muids. Black cherry and black raspberry lead, laced with white pepper, garrigue, menthol and spring blossom. The palate has real depth and layering, the tannins fine, the acidity tucked neatly into the fruit, and the finish runs long with a refined, spicy echo. It is already appealing, though critics see it settling in from around 2026 to 2027 and holding well beyond. Pour it alongside cassoulet, grilled pork sausages with lentils or a wedge of aged Tomme.