Domaine Saint-Damien
La Louisiane Gigondas Red Rhone Blend
Gigondas, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
This was served during my annual WWC hosting. Typical format of sparkler, three whites, four reds, one dessert, all served blind.
My last of a three-pack. One sadly fell (literally) victim to the pavement. Silver lining is that while I think this can hold in this window for a bit, this wine doesn’t seem to show that it will get better.
Decanted an hour. 80 Grenache/ 15 Mourvèdre/ 5 Syrah & cinsault. To me, this is the Paso style yet in France. It’s big yet has balance…rich and toasty. Loads of garrigue, dark potpurri, and peppered black cherries aromatically. The red fruit streaks through the palate surrounded by bitter dark chocolate, hint of charcoal and mineral. Tasty.
This was served during my annual WWC hosting. Typical format of sparkler, three whites, four reds, one dessert, all served blind.
My last of a three-pack. One sadly fell (literally) victim to the pavement. Silver lining is that while I think this can hold in this window for a bit, this wine doesn’t seem to show that it will get better.
Decanted an hour. 80 Grenache/ 15 Mourvèdre/ 5 Syrah & cinsault. To me, this is the Paso style yet in France. It’s big yet has balance…rich and toasty. Loads of garrigue, dark potpurri, and peppered black cherries aromatically. The red fruit streaks through the palate surrounded by bitter dark chocolate, hint of charcoal and mineral. Tasty.
We had a couple of friends over and did a fun little 2010 Saint-Damien Gigondas side-by-side consisting of “La Louisiane” and “Les Souteyrades”. Both wines were opened six hours prior to service; each spent three hours in the decanter and also slow-ox’ed in the bottle for an additional three. I initially questioned whether decanting was even necessary but after reading some of the notes on CT and trying a small bit after pulling the corks, it seemed to me that air would be beneficial.
The “La Louisiane” was rather fascinating on the nose with brambles, lavender, herbs a rather remarkable smell of young mezcal! An elegant wine when compared to “Les Souteyrades”. I suspect this will continue to drink well for another 5+ years.
We had a couple of friends over and did a fun little 2010 Saint-Damien Gigondas side-by-side consisting of “La Louisiane” and “Les Souteyrades”. Both wines were opened six hours prior to service; each spent three hours in the decanter and also slow-ox’ed in the bottle for an additional three. I initially questioned whether decanting was even necessary but after reading some of the notes on CT and trying a small bit after pulling the corks, it seemed to me that air would be beneficial.
The “La Louisiane” was rather fascinating on the nose with brambles, lavender, herbs a rather remarkable smell of young mezcal! An elegant wine when compared to “Les Souteyrades”. I suspect this will continue to drink well for another 5+ years.
Beautiful charcuterie nose, richly structured with layers of fruit
Beautiful charcuterie nose, richly structured with layers of fruit
Jun 17th, 2018Good stuff. Drinking well now
Good stuff. Drinking well now
1 person found it helpfulSep 26th, 2016Loving this right now. Kirsch cherry, pepper, herbs, a little menthol. Yum!
Loving this right now. Kirsch cherry, pepper, herbs, a little menthol. Yum!
Last and best bottle.
Last and best bottle.
Jan 12th, 2017
Drinking great. Beautiful concentration, balanced. Can still benefit from 2-4 yrs.
Drinking great. Beautiful concentration, balanced. Can still benefit from 2-4 yrs.
Dec 14th, 2016
Such a tight young intense wine. If you can wait five years you will be rewarded
Such a tight young intense wine. If you can wait five years you will be rewarded
Jun 9th, 2015
Fantastic mid-palate with surprising amount of red fruit; fine tannins, crushed rocks & flowers. But finish dissipates quickly.
Fantastic mid-palate with surprising amount of red fruit; fine tannins, crushed rocks & flowers. But finish dissipates quickly.
May 25th, 2023
Medium to full bodied. Rasberry, crushed rocks, dark cherries, lavender and other herbs. The mid palate seems to be fuller with the addition of mouvedré and syrah compared to similar varietal grenache from Southern Rhône.
Medium to full bodied. Rasberry, crushed rocks, dark cherries, lavender and other herbs. The mid palate seems to be fuller with the addition of mouvedré and syrah compared to similar varietal grenache from Southern Rhône.
Feb 15th, 2023