Domaine Saint-Damien - Vacqueyras Selection 2023

St. Damien was an early Christian saint martyred in the year 287 A.D.. Later he was considered the patron saint of doctors. There was a chapel dedicated to his honor in the tiny hamlet of La Baumette, just outside the village of Gigondas, where Joel Saurel lives. M. Saurel's predecessors took the name Saint Damien for the domaine. Domaine St. Damien's cuvées of Gigondas have become the reference for classic full-bodied yet fine Gigondas, with consistent and high scores for every vintage. Almost as popular as their high-scoring Gigondas cuvées, are the Côtes-du-Rhône bottlings, considered for their intense concentration and tremendous value. Harvests are later and yields are low. Joel's son, Romain is becoming more and more involved in the winemaking. Their goal is to produce Gigondas expressive of terroir, tradition, length and balance-in short, the best of Gigondas.

"A polished, modern style, with a delicious burst of ripe red fruit and snappy licorice on the mouthfilling, juicy palate. Apple wood smoke, vanilla bean paste and graphite sit in the backdrop; this is a substantial and seductive version. Drink now through 2030. 400 cases imported."-90 Points Wine Spectator

Producer: Domaine Saint-Damien

Country: France

Region: Rhône

Varietal: Grenache, Syrah

Appellation: Vacqueyras

Vintage: 2023

Size: 750ml