This wine is medium plus in body. Dark ripe currants and a savory bark note dominate the aromatics. The wine is nicely saturated with blackberry, black cap raspberry and black cherry fruit. Mineral (iron), pencil shavings and dark chocolate add complexity while mouthwatering acidity lifts the fruit. This is very satisfying and hearty, yet the tannins are well integrated.

 

This estate is named for Saint Damien, a patron saint of doctors, martyred in 287AD. His statue sits outside the famous wine village of Gigondas where the winery is located. Vigneron Joel Saurel comes from a long history of winemaking families and grew up in the vines. His son, Romain is becoming more and more involved in the family business. They farm organically and have been certified since 2012.

 

Grapes for this wine come from the lesser known “Plan de Dieu” appellation in the commune of Violès; Plan de Dieu is one of 20 better village terroirs in the Côtes-du-Rhone of the Southern Rhone which are allowed to append their name to the words “Côtes-du-Rhone Villages.” They must adhere to stricter grape growing and winemaking standards than generic Côtes-du-Rhone. Plan de Dieu translates to “God’s plan,” but in this case refers to the plain of land where stony soils support excellent quality. Plan de Dieu was included in the Côtes-du-Rhone Villages regulations in 2011. The vines used in this wine are old (the Grenache was planted in 1949, Carignan in 1948 and Mourvèdre in 1978). Vine age contributes to the depth and concentration of the Vieilles Vignes bottling.

 

Fermentation and aging takes place in concrete tanks without any oak use. The wine is bottled without any fining or filtering and may throw some harmless sediment when you reach the end of the bottle.