Domaine Saint Damien Saint-Damien Gigondas Vieilles Vignes 2023 750ml

Possibly my favorite of the trio, the 2022 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) offers a full-bodied, incredibly textured, yet seamless and elegant profile to go with lots of meaty dark fruits, some classic Southern Rhône licorice, roasted herb, and spice box nuances, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's another sensational effort from this estate, which continues to go from strength to strength. 94-96 points. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and aged 12 months in 50-hectoliter foudre, the 2023 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes offers darker berries, pepper, sappy garrigue, and smoked meat-like aromatics. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, fine, polished tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. It's a gorgeous, clean, complex, layered Gigondas that should drink well over the coming 10-15 years. Drink 2026-2041.

The intricate 2022 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes blooms with alluring strawberry compote, blackberry, black plum and spicy characteristics. Full-bodied and concentrated, the 2022 is a rock-solid rendition of this cuvée built for the long haul. Give it at least two more years in a cool cellar before pulling the cork. (Nicolas Greinacher)