In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 St Damien Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane, Gigondas, Rhone, France. Red Rhone in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2021+. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 93–95/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 31/10/2017 · Drink 2022-2035
Again my pick of the various cuvees, the 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane looks potentially the equal of the 2015 when tasted from foudre. Hints of cola and mocha on the nose add dark nuances to the big, ripe raspberry fruit. There's plenty of acid and tannin to support aging here.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 94/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 31/08/2018 · Drink 2022-2030
The 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane is looking a bit more structured and tannic than it did last year. It's full-bodied, rich and creamy across the mid-palate, then firms up adding hints of licorice and chocolate along the way. It does have the ripe stone fruit and berry notes to sustain it over time, so give it a couple of years (maybe even four or five) to relax and unwind that tightness on the fini…
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 96/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 26/09/2018 · Drink 2021+
Deeply colored, the 2016 Gigondas La Louisiane comes from single vineyard on the lower plain, not far from the estate, and is 80% Grenache, 15% Mourv'dre, and the balance Syrah and Cinsault. It offers a classic bouquet of dark berry fruits, peppery herbs, garrigue, and obvious minerality. Reminding me of the 2010 with its pure, straight style, it's full-bodied and elegant on the palate, and is go…