2023 Domaine Saint Damien Plan de Dieu Cotes-du-Rhone V.V, Rhone Valley

Darker strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, and some Provençal, peppery nuances emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied 2023 that has ripe tannins and terrific balance.

91-93 points Jebdunnuck.com

Domaine Saint Damien Plan de Dieu Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes is a perfect example of how much value and character you can find in the lesser-known crus of the Southern Rhône. The Saurel family, who have built Domaine Saint Damien into one of the most respected names in Gigondas, also farm parcels in the Plan de Dieu appellation — a broad plateau lying between Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its galets roulés (large round stones), clay-limestone soils, and Mediterranean garrigue.

The vines here are genuinely vieilles vignes (old vines), often 50–70 years of age, producing small crops of concentrated fruit. The blend is predominantly Grenache, supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Farming is organic, and winemaking follows the same traditional approach as their top Gigondas bottlings: hand harvesting, native-yeast fermentation, and ageing in large neutral foudres to preserve fruit purity and terroir.

In the glass, the wine shows deep ruby colour and offers aromas of ripe blackberry, black cherry and kirsch layered with thyme, rosemary, black pepper and a touch of licorice. The palate is plush yet balanced, with juicy dark fruits, savoury spice, and supple tannins. It is fuller and more structured than many Côtes-du-Rhône, with a long finish that reflects both the old vines and careful élevage. While approachable young, it will happily evolve for 5–8 years, gaining earthy, leathery complexity.

Food pairings lean toward rustic southern French fare: slow-braised lamb with herbs, cassoulet, grilled sausages with lentils, or roast duck with figs. For vegetarian matches, try ratatouille, lentil stew with rosemary, or a mushroom and thyme tart.