2020 | Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas "Clovis Saurel" | Rhône | France

Old-vine Gigondas from a four-generation organic estate — "like Grand Cru red Burgundy grown in the south."

Domaine Saint-Damien has farmed Gigondas since 1821 — four generations of the Saurel family, now Joël and his son Romain, certified organic since 2012. "Clovis Saurel," named for Joël's father, is the estate's plushest cuvée: a selection of very old Grenache (1940s vines) from clay soils, aged in demi-muids. Critics like Jeb Dunnuck routinely score it in the mid-90s.

Old-vine, organic Gigondas from a top grower is one of the Rhône's great values. 1940s Grenache, organic, demi-muid aged → plush yet elegant, Burgundian in feel → you're drinking benchmark Gigondas.

• Old-vine Grenache (with Mourvèdre in some years)
• Gigondas — Southern Rhône, France
• Domaine Saint-Damien — Saurel family, organic since 2012
• 1940s vines; aged in demi-muids

Ripe plum, black cherry and blueberry over black olive, licorice and garrigue with velvety, ultra-fine tannins and a generous, lingering finish. Translation: a plush but elegant Gigondas — deep southern fruit and garrigue carried on silky, fine-grained tannins with real balance. Delicious now, built to age a decade-plus.

Old-vine, organic Gigondas that drinks well above its price. Exactly the bottle for a braise, lamb, or a cool evening.