The 2017 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane is a red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France. This proprietary blend, composed primarily of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah, has garnered significant praise from professional reviewers, reflecting its quality and character.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage 95 points, with the reviewer highlighting its impressive balance and complexity. "Licorice, dark cherries and plums feature on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky and rich, just a wonderful balance of power and elegance," notes the reviewer. The wine is noted for its immediate drinkability post-release and its potential to age gracefully for at least a decade.
Jeb Dunnuck provided an even more enthusiastic review, scoring the wine 97 points. He describes it as "the standout in the 2017," emphasizing the wine's remarkable concentration and balance. Dunnuck's tasting notes mention "incredible notes of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, spring flowers, and peppery meat," suggesting a complex and layered flavor profile. He praises its "terrific concentration, sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish," and draws a favorable comparison to the 2007 vintage, noting that the 2017 version has more structure and focus. Dunnuck concludes that this is "an incredible bottle of wine that will drink well for 20+ years."
The 2017 Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane, bottled in May, showcases the meticulous craftsmanship of Domaine Saint-Damien. With a substantial 15.0% alcohol content and closed with a traditional cork, this wine exemplifies the robust yet refined nature of Rhone blends. The appellation of Gigondas is known for producing powerful and elegant wines, and this vintage is a testament to that reputation.
In summary, the 2017 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas Cuvee Louisiane is a highly regarded red wine that combines power and elegance, offering a rich, complex palate with excellent aging potential. Both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Jeb Dunnuck have given it exceptional reviews, making it a noteworthy choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.