Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2016

St Damien

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Tasting Notes

More flattering and easier to drink than the La Louisiane at this stage, the 2016 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, all aged in foudres. Hints of mocha and caramel add sweet richness to the ripe black cherry flavors and notes of mushroom, chocolate and licorice. Full-bodied, creamy textured and richly concentrated, it's long and velvety on the finish. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. It's always interesting to note the dynamics at small family-run estates. This was the first time the young Romain Saurel handled my visit on his own, as his parents had always been present on previous occasions. It's clear that they're still on hand in case he needs guidance, but he is increasingly taking charge of the estate, which remains an important benchmark within the Gigondas appellation. All of the wines I tasted at the domaine were outstanding, and it is something to say that there is not a dog in the lineup. Most of the wines are made only in large, old foudres, which helps preserve the exceptional fruit quality coming from this estate. It's also worth pointing out that the 2017s look to be just as good. "I think it's a great vintage of vins de garde," said Romain.

Score: 93

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2018-2025 31 August 2018

Looking more structured and tannic than the 2015, the 2016 Gigondas Classique Vieilles Vignes (tasted from foudre) looks to have great potential. Chocolate-dipped raspberries, espresso and spice notes smell and taste great, ending in a wall of tannins. Patience may be required.

Score: 90 - 92

Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2030 31 October 2017

The 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes may be the real value play here (although these all over deliver for the humble prices they go for) and comes from a mix of estate vineyards. It offers a full-bodied, thick, unctuous style that just begs to be drunk. Blackberries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, wood smoke and ample gravelly, earthy minerality, it’s another killer wine from this estate.

Score: 94 - 96

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 19 October 2017

Similarly colored, the 2016 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) offers a killer bouquet of blackcurrants, sappy garrigue, exotic spices, and leafy herbs. It's full-bodied, ultra-pure, seamless and silky, with no hard edges and beautiful balance. Checking in as a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre brought up in older foudre, don't miss this beauty!

Score: 96

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com 01 January 1900