2024 Domaine Saint Damien Plan de Dieu Cotes-du-Rhone V.V, Rhone Valley

Coming from red clay soils with stones and ancient alluvium, the 2024 Cotes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes is based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and aged 10 months in concrete tanks and foudre. Black cherries, peppery herbs, flowers, and mineral notes all emerge from this broad, layered, and round effort. It's medium-bodied, supple, and wonderfully textured, with velvety yet still building tannins. It's another gem that readers will love. Drink 2026-2031.

91 points jebdunnuck.com

From the sun baked galet strewn plains of Plan de Dieu in the southern Rhône, Domaine Saint Damien crafts old vine wines that combine rustic generosity with surprising finesse. The estate, led by the Saurel family for generations, has built a loyal following for its traditional approach, working low yielding vines and allowing fruit purity and regional character to take centre stage. Vieilles Vignes bottlings draw on mature Grenache dominated parcels that deliver depth, warmth and savoury complexity shaped by Mediterranean sunshine and cooling mistral winds.

A deep ruby garnet hue fills the glass with inviting richness. Aromas open with ripe raspberry, dark cherry and plum layered with dried thyme, cracked pepper, liquorice and a gentle earthy spice. There is an unmistakable southern Rhône perfume here, warm, expressive and quietly layered.

The palate is medium to full bodied and supple, flowing with juicy red and dark berry fruit framed by fine, grainy tannins and balanced acidity. Subtle notes of garrigue herbs, cocoa and spice build through the mid palate, leading to a smooth, persistent finish that feels both generous and structured. While immediately appealing, this old vine blend will continue to evolve over eight to ten years as deeper savoury tones and leather nuance develop.

Think slow braised lamb with rosemary, grilled sausages sizzling over charcoal, ratatouille shared from a large dish or rustic cassoulet as the evening air cools. A spin of classic Rolling Stones or a dusty southern blues record drifting through the room, laughter rising, plates refilled, the wine settling perfectly into the rhythm of a long Rhône inspired night.