St Damien Gigondas Clovis Saurel 2022

Made from very old Grenache (1940s) on sand and clay with cold maceration for 24 hours followed by a controlled ferment at 28?, including delestage and pumping over. Matured for 15 months in two 500 litre demi-muids (one Stockinger, one Chassin) and one 228 litre barrique from Seguin Moreau. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

?The Gigondas Clovis Saurel is named after the founder of this domaine and is a selection from the best vines and terroirs.?

?All Grenache from old vines, the 2022 Gigondas Clovis Saurel was still maturing in demi-muids when I visited last summer. While some vanilla was still apparent on the nose, adding a sheen of polish to the black cherries and black raspberries, this full-bodied wine comes across as exceptionally balanced and silky. Ripe and richly concentrated yet elegant and silky, with tremendous length on the finish, it's a beauty of a Gigondas.? (96-98) points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, May 2024.

?All Grenache that's resting in used demi-muids, the 2022 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is another killer wine, with a huge nose of ripe strawberries, exotic blue fruits, spring flowers, and sappy herbs. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, layered, incredibly seamless Gigondas revealing integrated tannins, a terrific sense of freshness and purity, no hard edges, and a great finish.? (94-96) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.