Aged in demi-muids, the 2019 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is a selection of old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre from clay soils. Compared with the other wines in the lineup, the cedar and vanilla shadings are noticeable but in other contexts wouldn’t be considered obtrusive. Notes of ripe plum, black cherry, blueberry, black olive and licorice predominate. Full-bodied and velvety, this is plusher and richer on the palate than the other cuvées at Saint Damien, with a generous, lingering finish. Flat-out yummy now, it also has the potential to age well for a decade or more.
