From a terraced hillside plot call La Louisiane the 2009 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas La Louisiane is a blend of 80% Grenache 15% Mourvèdre and the balance Cinsault and Syrah. Aged for 12 months in foudre it displays a pretty gorgeously perfumed bouquet of spiced raspberries spice box rolled stone and crushed flowers. Complex and not holding anything back on the nose it's medium to full-bodied on the palate and beautifully polished and put together possessing good acidity a rich full texture and notable freshness. More perfumed and upfront than the Les Souteyrades this should be approachable earlier but still drink well for 10-12 or more years.

The 2009 Gigondas La Louisiane which is the most powerful of these wines at 15.3% alcohol comes from 60-year-old vines and is a blend of 80% Grenache 15% Mourvedre and the rest tiny percentages of Cinsault and Syrah. Deep ruby/purple with a sensational nose of crushed rock/wet steel interwoven with blueberry liqueur sweet black currants and black cherries incense and forest flora it seems to be both powerful and elegant at the same time with stunning purity texture and length but it never comes across as heavy despite the rather lofty alcohol. This wine should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. 91-93+

Plump and fleshy with delicious plum fig and blackberry flavors mixed together coated gently with spice and black tea notes. The long licorice edge on the finish has a nice firmness. Drink now through 2016. 75 cases imported. -JM