2024 Saint-Damien - Vacqueyras (750ml)

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joël Saurel in the hamlet of La Baumette, just outside Gigondas, on a property named for an early Christian saint venerated as the patron of doctors. The estate built its reputation on concentrated, full-bodied Gigondas alongside excellent-value Côtes-du-Rhône bottlings, and Joël's son Romain has taken an increasingly active role in the cellar in recent vintages. Harvests here tend to come later than at neighboring domaines, with yields kept deliberately low to concentrate flavor and preserve the vineyards' sense of place.

The 2024 Vacqueyras Selection is a blend anchored by Grenache and rounded out with Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault, farmed using biodynamic practices on the appellation's mix of clay, limestone, and stony alluvial soils. Grapes are hand-harvested and fermented with attention to freshness rather than extraction, then aged to preserve fruit purity and the estate's characteristic silky texture. The result is a wine built for both immediate pleasure and a few years of further development in the cellar.

This is a juicy, generous red loaded with layers of red and dark berries, backed by notes of garrigue, black pepper, and dried herbs. The palate is supple and fresh, with fine-grained tannins and enough structure to carry real length despite its easy drinkability. It pairs beautifully with grilled lamb, duck confit, or a hearty vegetable stew, and its spice and warmth also make it a natural match for dishes built around roasted root vegetables.