My favorite of the Gigondas lineup the blockbuster 2010 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre aged all in tank) is wildly perfumed and aromatic as well as incredibly full-bodied rich and concentrated. Showing thrilling notes of wild herbs orange peel garrigue exotic flowers and layers of ripe fruit this hedonistic yet gorgeously proportioned 2010 has massive fruit awesome freshness and focus and a firm tannic core. No doubt it is a superb drink now but it will be even better in 2-3 years and evolve gracefully for two decades.

A 1000-case offering from gray clay soils the 2010 Gigondas Les Souteyrades is also made from 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre from 65-year-old vines. It represents what Saurel believes is his finest parcel of old vines. This cuvee is always the richest and fullest of this trio of Gigondas and it can also contain more truffle herbs tannin and structure. A complex intricate Gigondas it offers a terrific perfume of truffles forest floor acacia flowers and lots of black and red fruits. It hits the palate with a deep expansive round full-bodied mouthfeel and finishes long. This 2010 is capable of drinking well for 12-15+ years. Bravo!