Saint Damien 2024 Cotes du Rhone "Plan de Dieu" 750ml

Coming from red clay soils with stones and ancient alluvium, the 2024 Cotes Du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes is based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre and aged 10 months in concrete tanks and foudre. Black cherries, peppery herbs, flowers, and mineral notes all emerge from this broad, layered, and round effort. It's medium-bodied, supple, and wonderfully textured, with velvety yet still building tannins. It's another gem that readers will love. Drink 2026-2031.

Score: 91 points -- Jeb Dunnock, jebdunnock.com, 2026