2017 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades Rhone

WA95 A blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Gigondas les Souteyrades—from a clay-based, north-facing site—is rich and earthy, with cinnamon and cola notes accenting dark plums and black cherries. It’s full-bodied and velvety, adding hints of chocolate on the long finish.
This certified organic estate lost about half its 2018 crop to mildew, according to Romain Saurel, who has gradually taken over the management of the domaine from his parents. As a result, there will be no 2018 les Souteyrades. Thankfully, what there is looks customarily good. Saurel made note of the showers that fell September 4-5, which after a dry summer was, he says, “fantastic for the maturity.” The harvest here finished up just before rain fell again on October 10-11.
JD93 Black cherries, garrigue, leather, and a kiss of spice emerge from the 2017 Gigondas Les Souteyrades, which is Grenache and Mourvèdre brought up in foudre. It’s medium to full-bodied, has light tannins, beautiful balance, and a charming, elegant style. As with the other releases here in 2017, it’s a seamless, layered, complex wine that relies more on elegance and complexity than overt power and richness.