2007 Domaine St Damien Gigondas Vielle Vignes Magnum

(95 points) The 2007 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes, a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from 40-year-old vines, boasts a saturated ruby/purple color as well as an exquisite bouquet of incense, crushed rocks, charcoal, black raspberries, kirsch, and blackberries, an incredibly broad, savory mouthfeel, stunning density, and a finish that goes on for 40+ seconds. This remarkable offering is one of the most prodigious wines I have ever tasted from Gigondas. It should drink well for two decades or more. I was blown away by how the 2007 Gigondas cuvees, which I had rated very highly from barrel last year, had put on weight and texture, and had become essentially as compelling as Gigondas can be. Clearly Saint-Damien’s young proprietor, Joel Saurel, has moved this estate alongside the appellation’s two superstars, Domaine Santa Duc and Chateau Saint-Cosme. The three cuvees of 2007 Gigondas are absolutely profound. I am not sure I haven’t underrated them as I had them on two separate occasions and the numerical scores listed are actually from the lower rated tasting. Come what may, these are unreal wines. For statisticians, these wines are aged 6-8 weeks in cement tanks before they are moved to old wood foudres for 12 months prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The renowned Philippe Cambie is the consultant. All three of these Gigondas cuvees are amazing wines. Kudos to Joel Saurel! (10/2009) Robert Parker's Wine Advocate