2006 Saint Damien, Gigondas

2006 Saint Damien, Southern Rhone Blend, Gigondas, France
consumed February 2011 with family, Retail $29.99

This wine was a purchase on a whim really.  I had never heard of the winery and did absolutely zero research on the winery itself.  A total impulse buy, part of a bigger buy from one of my favorite wine shops.  They were having a bin clearance so I purchased the wine for a really good deal.  The price above reflects what retail is currently according to some online sites.

A stunning wine from the Southern Rhone and is on the list of wineries to visit on my trip!  Unlike the Northern Rhone which is comprised of 100% Syrah, the Southern Rhone is typically blended with any combination of 13 red grapes.  In Gigondas, the wines can be made with a maximum of 80% Grenache, a maximum of 10% of other Rhone varietals minus Carignan, and a minimum of 15% Syrah and/or Mourvedre (Gigondas AOC)

The Saint Damien (Vieilles Vignes, they have multiple wines, this is their 'base' wine)  is a beautiful full bodied powerful but restrained wine.  It is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre, yes, no Syrah which is typically in Rhone wine both North and South.  Prior to drinking the wine I had no idea what the blend was but assumed that there was at least some Syrah in it.  Upon opening the wine it was rich, red fruit, blueberry, raspberry, and jammy.  A deep intense maroon color, quite opaque, full in the mouth, with a nice smooth structure, and a peppery/fruity mid palate and finish.  After tasting and smelling the wine I realized that it was different, I noted that it was different from Syrah, is Syrah in the wine?  As mentioned above, no, there wasn't any which explains how the wine was totally different than anything I have tasted.  I have noticed that typically a jammy noise with a lot of fruit like this wine is typically high in alcohol.  Unfortunately, I didn't write down what the alcohol content was on this wine but I can say that it was beautifully balanced and not too overpowering.  Don't get me wrong it's a bold wine and would likely go with gamey meat or simply a nice steak.  I will say that the 2006 was still quite tannic and probably could age for sometime if you're willing to wait.  I couldn't!
****