Winemaker Notes
Blend: 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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.
Barrel Sample: 95-97 -
Jeb Dunnuck
Gorgeous stuff, the 2019 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is reminscent of Grand Cru Red Burgundy grown in the south. A selection of older vines of Grenache and Mourvèdre, it offers an elegant, medium to full-bodied style that just glides across the palate with silky, ultra-fine tannins, and perfect balance, and while it's not massive, it builds beautifully with time in the glass and has plenty of structure and length. More red-fruited aromatically, with notes of wild strawberries, framboise, Provençal garrigue, wildflowers, and hints of white pepper, it's complex, layered, nuanced, and just a joy to drink. It's approachable today but truly needs 4-5 years of bottle age. It should drink fabulously well over the following decade.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
The Southern Rhône region of Gigondas extends northwest from the notably jagged wall of mountains called the Dentelles di Montmirail, whose highest point climbs to about 2,600 feet. The region and its wines have much in common with the neighboring Chateauneuf-du-Pape except that the vineyards of Gigondas exist at higher elevation and its soils, comprised mainly of crumbled limestone from the Dentelles, often produce a more dense and robust Grenache-based red wine.
The region has a history of fine winemaking, extending back to Roman times. But by the 20th century, Gigondas was merely lumped into the less distinct zone of Côtes du Rhône Villages. However, it was first among these satellite villages to earn its own appellation, which occurred in 1971.
Gigondas reds must be between 50 to 100% Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre comprising the bulk of the remainder of the blend. They tend express rustic flavors and aromas of wild blackberry, raspberry, fig, plum, as well as juniper, dried herbs, anise, smoke and river rock. The best are bold but balanced, and finish with impressively sexy and velvety tannins.
The Gigondas appellation also produces rosé but no white wines.