Domaine Saint-Damien, Gigondas, France

圣達(dá)米安酒莊紅葡萄酒

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：4183

The 2011 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (100% Grenache) is a dense, well-made, ripe effort displaying lots of licorice, strawberry, kirsch, lavender and balsam wood characteristics. Full, rich and dense with terrific fruit intensity, it should turn out to be outstanding since there is no fining or filtration at this estate. It will age well for 7-8 years. (Not yet released) One of my favorite Gigondas estates is proprietor Joel Saurel’s Saint-Damien (now one of the appellation’s superstars). Saurel also produces several Cotes du Rhone cuvees that are nearly as good as his superb Gigondas. The 2011 Cotes du Rhones, which were bottled early to preserve their fruit, are about as good as Cotes du Rhone can be in this vintage. The 2010s are close in quality although not quite at the level of the finest vintage I have ever tasted from Saurel, his 2007s. Importer: Peter Weygandt, Weygandt-Metzler, Unionville, PA; tel. (610) 486-0800

The 2000 Gigondas (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre) is a sexy, earthy effort with opulence, lushness, and fleshy, concentrated fruit. It emphasizes Gigondas's melted licorice, plum, and black cherry characteristics. Drink this lush example over the next 5-6 years. Importer: a Jeffrey Davies Signature Selection, West Nyack, NY; tel. (845) 353-8767

The 1998 Gigondas (the first wine I have tasted from St.-Damien) offers a dark ruby/purple color, medium to full body, and an expansive nose of herbes de Provence, black fruits, and subtle new oak. This sweet, chewy, seductive wine with ripe tannin is destined to be consumed during its first decade of life. It is a hedonistically-styled, attractive effort. No known American importer.