Domaine Saint Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2023

80 % Grenache (1948), 20 % Mourvèdre (1977) from the lieu-dit Les Souteyrades on the lower terraces of Gigondas (around 150 metres elevation) close to the Ouveze River bordering Vacqueyras with grey limey soil. Fermented on skins for 7 weeks in large concrete vats before ageing in large old 50 hl foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. Typically shows more structure and capacity to age with cool cellaring.

”Based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and aged 12 months in foudres, the 2023 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is possibly the most exotic of the lineup from Saint-Damien. Kirsch liqueur, blackberries, exotic flowers, and sappy, garrigue-like nuances all define the bouquet, and it's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, an incredible mix of richness and elegance, and a gorgeous finish. It's another absolutely riveting Gigondas from this estate that readers should snatch up! Drink 2026-2037.” 98 points, Jeb Dunnuck, January 2026

Domaine Saint Damien

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel and their son Romain who has now taken charge of the winemaking. The Saurel family had been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821, and until recently had been selling all of the grapes to negociants. In 1996 Joel resumed producing wine at the estate and in 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie. Vinification is classic with wines being made in large old cement tanks and aged in either the tanks or large old foudres for the Gigondas.

Today the estate is comprised of 17 hectares of vineyards of which 12 are in Gigondas. All their vineyards are certified organic since 2012. The vines are an average age of 50 years and are very low yielding. The wines of Gigondas are bottled according to individual terroir (particularly soil type) known as the Saint Damien Trilogy.