2023 St. Damien - Gigondas Les Souteyrades (750ml)
One of our best Rhone deals of the year. 98 Points — Jeb Dunnuck. The flagship of one of Gigondas' most celebrated — and undersung — estates.
Another "no brainer" wine deal...We grabbed all 13 cases that came to the market and this will be gone fast!
Jeb calls the 2023 Les Souteyrades "possibly the most exotic of the lineup from Saint-Damien" — kirsch liqueur, blackberries, exotic flowers, and sappy garrigue-like nuances on the bouquet, medium to full-bodied with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, an incredible mix of richness and elegance, and a gorgeous finish. "Another absolutely riveting Gigondas from this estate that readers should snatch up." Drink 2026–2037.
The wine is 80% Grenache (vines planted 1948) and 20% Mourvèdre (1977), sourced from the lieu-dit Les Souteyrades on the lower terraces of Gigondas at around 150 meters elevation, on grey limey soil. Fermented on skins for 7 weeks in large concrete vats, aged 12 months in old 50hl foudres, then bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The Saurel family has farmed here since 1821, with Robert Parker calling the estate a rival to Santa Duc and Saint Cosme — and pricing that remains admirably fair for savvy Rhône lovers.