Domaine Saint Damien

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel and their son Romain who has now taken charge of the winemaking. The Saurel family had been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821, and until recently had been selling all of the grapes to negociants. In 1996 Joel resumed producing wine at the estate and in 2012 he gained Agriculture Biologique certification for the the vineyards of the estate. Vinification is classic with wines being fermented in large old cement tanks and aged in either cement tanks or large old foudres for the Gigondas.

Today the estate is comprised of 45 hectares of vineyards of which 15 are in Gigondas. All their vineyards are certified organic since 2012. The vines are an average age of 50 years and are very low yielding. The wines of Gigondas are bottled according to individual terroir (particularly soil type) known as the Saint Damien Trilogy.

The following new white wines are available now

2024 Côtes du Rhône blanc Le Clos Cordier
50 % Clairette and 50 % Bourboulenc from a new vineyard (35 yo vines) purchased in 2022 in Buisson north-west from Vaison La Romaine (not far from Vinsobres). Whole bunch pressed and fermented in stainless steel tank at low temperature for 50% and 50% in 228 litre barrels. Aged on fine lees with battonage for both portions to give a little more texture to the wine.

Joel Saurel’s Côtes-du-Rhône “le Clos du Cordier” Blanc bottling is made from blend of roussanne, marsanne and viognier. The 2024 tips the scales at a svelte thirteen percent octane. It is still a young wine and needs some air to blossom if drinking right now, as it starts out a bit tight when first poured. Once it gets a short time to stretch in decanter, it blossoms nicely to offer up scents of lemon, fresh pineapple, a nice foundation of soil, white flowers and a topnote of lime peel. On the palate the wine is crisp, full-bodied, focused and complex, with a fine core of fruit, very good soil signature, zesty acids and a long, well balanced finish. Good juice, but make sure to give it a bit of aeration if drinking it young! 2025-2033. 89 points. John Gilman, View from the Cellar, November 2025

2024 Gigondas Blanc Les Prés
100 % Clairette coming from several lieu-dits all situated on the plateau quite close to the estate. These lieu-dits all contribute different characters from the soil of each vineyard with La Moutte having sandy soil and red clay and pebbles from La Louisianne with limestone freshness and salinity from Les Pres which adjoins Les Souteyrades. Just 1 x 1900 litre concrete egee and five barrels produced for this second vintage. The barrels including, 2 from Chassin cooperage, both 2 year old, and one 228 L from Stockinger. Fresh perfumed and very pure, the aromas are lifted by the excellent acidity of the vintage and the ageing on lees with no apparent impact of barrel in this very fresh vibrant vintage. Fresh and fine and very long and vibrant.

‘A pure Clairette, the 2024 Gigondas Blanc is charming and lively, offering up aromas of white fruits, fresh herbs and gentle spice. Medium-bodied and satiny, it glides across the palate with a round, sweet core of fruit, concluding with a delicately aromatic, mouthwatering finish.’ 91 points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, October 2025.

This is the second vintage for the new appellation granted to Gigondas blanc. Clairette blanche must be minimum 70 % fermented on its own or blended with the traditional Rhone Valley grape varieties grown in Gigondas (Bourboulenc blanc, Clairette rose, Grenache blanc and gris, Marsanne blanche, Piquepoul blanc and Roussanne). Two secondary grape varieties, Viognier and Ugni blanc, cannot represent more than 5 % of the varietal range.

Currently (as per the computerised vineyard register for the 2019/2020 campaign), over 16 hectares have been planted with white varieties by some thirty companies, which is more than for Gigondas rosé. The dynamics and desire to move forward are tangible and a dozen or so producers aim to plant white grape varieties over the coming years, bringing the share of companies making Gigondas white wines up to 15 % in less than five years time.

The sites produce clean, chiselled wines, mirroring the huge cliff faces that jut out from the Dentelles de Montmirail, the wooded uplands surrounding the village. Limestone, the common thread between a mosaic of complex, varied soil types, imparts minerality and freshness, a major advantage in an era of global warming. On the palate, notes of linden and acacia are supported by a long acidic backbone, creating wines that are sure to appeal to lovers of terroir-driven wines mirroring the landscapes of the places where they were born.

Red wines

‘The old vine bottling of Plan de Dieu from Joel and Romain Saurel is composed of a blend of eighty percent grenache (vines planted in 1949) and twenty percent mourvèdre (vines planted in 1978). The grapes are co-fermented in cement vats and aged in the same for eight months prior to bottling. To my palate, this is a baby Gigondas and is a superb value!’ John Gilman, View from the Cellar

2023 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Vieilles Vignes
80 % Grenache (1948), 20 % Mourvèdre (2010). This wine is sourced from the lower terraced parcels of the Plan de Dieu lieu-dit, in the commune of Violès. The Grenache vines are over 70 years old and come from two sites, one planted on red clay and the other on galets (smooth river-worn pebbles). The younger Mourvèdre vines are planted on sandy soil. The wine is fermented for 30 days in concrete vats, then matured for 10 months in a mix of concrete tanks and large old 50 hL oak foudres. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration.
Very successful in 2023 with extra freshness coming from nearly 50% whole bunch in the ferment. Lifted aromas, very bright and pure showing very good energy and drive with a fresh long vibrant finish. The best rendition of this cuvee to date that we have tasted. An outstanding value and a clear cut above most Cotes du Rhone reds.

‘Darker strawberries, framboise, spring flowers, and some Provençal, peppery nuances emerge from the 2023 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied 2023 that has ripe tannins and terrific balance.’ (91-93) points, Jeb Dunnuck, April 2025.

Gigondas - 2023s Just Arrived - Some 2022s Still Available (Very Limited)

‘All the wines are largely Grenache and destemmed, and aside from the Clovis Saurel, which is aged in demi-muids, are brought up in foudre and tank.
These are brilliant, layered, textured Gigondas that represent insane values.’ Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2023 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
80% Grenache (1964), 20% Mourvèdre (1977) from several lieu-dits (mostly La Moutte, La Tourade, Les Pigieres and La Louisiane) located on the lower terraces of Gigondas quite close to the winery (around 150 metres elevation) fermented on skins with 10% whole bunch in large concrete vats for 5 weeks before ageing in large 50 hl old foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. This typically shows very well from a young age with great balance and finesse.

‘The 2023 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes offers fabulous notes of black cherries, licorice, roasted garrigue, and peppery Provençal nuances. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas offering ample mid-palate depth, sweet tannins, and a great finish.’ (94-96) points, Jeb Dunnuck, December 2024.

2022 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes - 1.5 L Magnum Only
‘Possibly my favorite of the trio, the 2022 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes (80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) offers a full-bodied, incredibly textured, yet seamless and elegant profile to go with lots of meaty dark fruits, some classic Southern Rhône licorice, roasted herb, and spice box nuances, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It's another sensational effort from this estate, which continues to go from strength to strength.’ (94-96) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2023 Gigondas La Louisiane 
80 % Grenache (1942), 15 % Mourvèdre (1977), 5 % Cinsault (1951) and Syrah from the lieu-dit La Louisiane opposite the winery and home of Saint Damien on the lower terraces of Gigondas (around 150 metres elevation) with very rich red soil. Fermented on skins for 6 weeks in large concrete vats before ageing in large old 50 hl foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. Typically shows well from a young age.

‘Lastly, the 2023 Gigondas La Louisiane comes from a single lieu-dit on the lower plain, just beside the estate. It has a pretty perfume of red and black fruits, spring flowers, crushed stone, and rose petals. These all carry to an incredibly pure, elegant, medium to full-bodied Gigondas that has fine tannins and a great finish.’ (93-95) points, Jeb Dunnuck, December 2024.

2023 Gigondas Les Souteyrades
80 % Grenache (1948), 20 % Mourvèdre (1977) from the lieu-dit Les Souteyrades on the lower terraces of Gigondas (around 150 metres elevation) close to the Ouveze River bordering Vacqueyras with grey limey soil. Fermented on skins for 7 weeks in large concrete vats before ageing in large old 50 hl foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. Typically shows more structure and capacity to age with cool cellaring.

‘The 2023 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is based on 80% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre. It has a ripe, concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as beautiful aromatics of red fruits, peppery garrigue, and spicy, Provençal nuances. It's balanced and has the vintage's fresher, focused, elegant style, good concentration, and integrated tannins.’ (93-95) points, Jeb Dunnuck, December 2024.

2022 Gigondas Les Souteyrades - last cases
‘Roughly 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre from a clay-rich, north-facing site, the 2022 Gigondas les Souteyrades doesn't seem to have suffered from the heat of the vintage. Fresh red raspberries weave through its intriguing aromas, which include hints of garrigue and dried spices. In the mouth, it's full-bodied and concentrated yet silky and elegant on the lingering finish.’ (95-97) points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, May 2024.

‘A gorgeous wine in the vintage, the 2022 Gigondas Les Souteyrades checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that saw a lengthy maceration and will spend over a year in foudre. It's a ripe, powerful Gigondas with medium to full-bodied richness, notes of ripe strawberries, black raspberries, exotic spice, and flowers, a terrific sense of freshness and purity, fine tannins, and a great finish. Readers should snatch up this sensational 2022.’ (94-96) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2023 Gigondas Clovis Saurel
Made from very old Grenache (1940s) on sand and clay with cold maceration for 24 hours followed by a controlled ferment at 28°, including delestage and pumping over. Matured for 15 months in two 600 litre demi-muids (one Stockinger, one Chassin) and one 228 litre barrique from Seguin Moreau. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.

‘The Gigondas Clovis Saurel is named after the founder of this domaine and is a selection from the best vines and terroirs.’

‘All Grenache, the 2023 Gigondas Clovis Saurel is a juicy, pure, medium to full-bodied effort revealing tons of wild strawberry and raspberry fruit, some peppery garrigue, white pepper, and crushed stone nuances, a focused, elegant mouthfeel, and beautiful length.’ (93-95) points, Jeb Dunnuck, December 2024.

The following wines due mid 2026

2024 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes
80% Grenache (1964), 20% Mourvèdre (1977) from several lieu-dits (mostly La Moutte, La Tourade, Les Pigieres and La Louisiane) located on the lower terraces of Gigondas quite close to the winery (around 150 metres elevation) fermented on skins with 10% whole bunch in large concrete vats for 5 weeks before ageing in large 50 hl old foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. This typically shows very well from a young age with great balance and finesse.
The 2024 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes shows well, opening with ripe red fruits, black cherry, spicy accents and a flicker of licorice. Full-bodied, concentrated and dense, the 2024 is structured around ripe tannins and a vivid overall freshness brings it home. I look forward to tasting it from bottle next year. (90-92) points, Vinous Media, November 2025.

2024 Gigondas La Louisiane
‘80 % Grenache (1942), 15 % Mourvèdre (1977), 5 % Cinsault (1951) and Syrah from the lieu-dit La Louisiane opposite the winery and home of Saint Damien on the lower terraces of Gigondas (around 150 metres elevation) with very rich red soil. Fermented on skins for 6 weeks in large concrete vats before ageing in large old 50 hl foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. Typically shows well from a young age.
The 2024 Gigondas La Louisiane Vieilles Vignes conveys captivating black cherry, pencil shaving, forest strawberry and a touch of red plum. Framed by ripe tannins and containing lively freshness, the 2024 touches the full-bodied palate with lifting energy and closes with a citric slice of grapefruit. (91-93) points, Vinous Media, November 2025.

2024 Gigondas Les Souteyrades
80 % Grenache (1948), 20 % Mourvèdre (1977) from the lieu-dit Les Souteyrades on the lower terraces of Gigondas (around 150 metres elevation) close to the Ouveze River bordering Vacqueyras with grey limey soil. Fermented on skins for 7 weeks in large concrete vats before ageing in large old 50 hl foudres for 12 months before bottling un-fined and unfiltered. Typically shows more structure and capacity to age with cool cellaring.
The usual blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, the 2024 Gigondas Les Souteyrades Vieilles Vignes exhibits a multi-faceted aromatic profile highlighting ripe strawberry, raspberry, white pepper and garrigue. Violets add a floral lift. Framed by a firm tannic core, the fullbodied 2024 is well balanced by bright acidity and checks out with resonance on the structured finish. This shows a little less charm than the 2023 that I tasted from barrel last year, but entices nonetheless. (91-93) points, Vinous Media, November 2025.

2024 Gigondas Clovis Saurel
Made from very old Grenache (1940s) on sand and clay with cold maceration for 24 hours followed by a controlled ferment at 28°, including delestage and pumping over. Matured for 15 months in two 600 litre demi-muids (one Stockinger, one Chassin) and one 228 litre barrique from Seguin Moreau. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The 2024 Gigondas Clovis Saurel expresses intense black fruits, licorice, cedar and a suggestion of white pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and framed around a firm tannic core, the 2024 is a dense, multi-faceted Clovis Saurel, showcasing remarkable depth even at this early stage. Watch out for this one. (92-94) points, Vinous Media, November 2025.