2024 Saint Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes Organic, Rhone Valley

Based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and brought up in larger foudre for 12 months, the 2024 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes offers classic spicy red and black fruits, pepper, graphite, and some meaty, garrigue nuances. It's medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has ripe tannins, and a great finish. This classic, satisfying Gigondas will offer pleasure right out of the gate.

91-93 points Jeb Dunnuck

Domaine Saint Damien has become one of the reference points of modern Gigondas while remaining resolutely traditional in spirit. The Saurel family has farmed vines here for generations, with Joël Saurel taking the domaine in a new direction from the late 1970s and his son Romain now continuing the work. Vieilles Vignes draws on the estate’s precious old vines, giving a classic expression of Gigondas where Grenache richness meets the wild, savoury character of the Dentelles de Montmirail.

The old vines are rooted in the limestone, clay and rocky soils that surround the village, with low yields naturally concentrating flavour. Organic farming and the relentless mistral help keep the vineyards healthy, while traditional maturation avoids excessive new oak. The 2024 has a fresher profile than some of the region’s hotter vintages, giving the old vine fruit plenty of intensity without sacrificing fragrance or energy.

Deep ruby crimson, the bouquet opens with black cherry, wild raspberry and dark plum before lavender, violet and dried Provençal herbs emerge. Cracked pepper, liquorice, fennel and black olive bring a darker savoury edge. The palate has generous fruit but plenty of shape, with cherry and blackberry wrapped in firm, sandy tannins. Rosemary, pepper and earthy spice gather through the middle before a persistent finish of dark fruit, liquorice and garrigue.

Slow cooked lamb with preserved lemon and olives would be terrific here, alongside smoky pork ribs, beef kofta with sumac, duck with figs or roasted eggplant with harissa and chickpeas. Our pick is the lamb. The salty olives, citrus and herbs work beautifully with old vine Grenache’s dark fruit and that unmistakable Gigondas garrigue.

Cellaring: Drink from 2027 to 2040.