Gigondas les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes Domaine St Damien 2017 (750ML)

Raised in foudre, Les Souteyrades is Domaine St Damien's Vieilles Vignes Gigondas from the lieu-dit that gives it its name, a pairing of Grenache and Mourvèdre. The 2017 is all about grace and detail. Deep magenta, it opens with black cherry, blueberry and red-berry compote, candied flowers and allspice, along with a leathery, scrubland edge and a cool mineral freshness. Medium to full in body, it moves across the palate fluid and sweet-fruited, its cherry and spice-cake flavors building as it goes. The tannins are light and silky, the balance is spot on, and the finish is long and floral. It is drinking now, and critics give it until the early 2030s. It suits grilled merguez, a summer ratatouille or a board of saucisson and olives.