2022 Gigondas 'Classique' Vieilles Vignes, Domaine Saint Damien

Deep crimson and wonderfully aromatic, this Gigondas commands attention from the first swirl. The nose brims with ripe blackberry, black cherry and garrigue herbs, layered with cracked pepper, lavender, and a whisper of smoke. On the palate, it’s full-bodied yet finely tuned with dark fruit richness framed by savoury spice, mineral grip, and tannins as smooth as worn leather. There’s warmth and generosity, but also lift and precision, leading to a long, resonant finish that hums with southern Rhône energy.

For when: the night’s cool, the food’s slow-cooked, and the company’s loud.
Pairs with: slow-braised lamb, venison stew, or grilled aubergine with harissa.
If this wine were a song, it’d be sung barefoot by firelight - bold, soulful, unforgettable.

Domaine Saint Damien is one of Gigondas’ benchmark estates, producing wines of remarkable depth and purity since the early 19th century. Today, Joel Saurel and his son Romain oversee the 45-hectare domaine, working organically across old-vine parcels rooted in the stony, limestone-clay soils of the southern Rhône. The ‘Classique’ Vieilles Vignes comes from vines averaging over 50 years of age, primarily Grenache, with smaller portions of Mourvèdre and Syrah. Vinification is traditional with long fermentations, minimal intervention, and maturation in large oak foudres, yielding wines that balance Gigondas’ natural power with elegance and finesse. The 2022 vintage is a stunning example: rich, expressive, and profoundly true to its terroir.