93 points Rhone Report: "From a terraced, hillside plot call La Louisiane, the 2009 Domaine Saint-Damien Gigondas La Louisiane is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 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. (Sep 2011)"

91-93+ points Robert Parker: "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. Proprietor Joel Saurel, backed up by the inimitable Philippe Cambie as his consultant, has transformed this estate into one of the greatest in Gigondas, rivaling the two top producers, Yves Gras’ Santa Duc and Louis Barruol’s Saint Cosme. This estate made mind-boggling 2007s, and has followed that up with top-flight 2009s. (Oct 2010)"

92 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(80% grenache and the rest mourvedre, cinsault and syrah): Bright ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of red berry preserves, smoky minerals and dried violet, with a touch of blood orange. Spicy, focused and alluringly sweet, offering energetic, vaguely warm raspberry and cherry flavors and a seamless texture. Finishes with lingering sweetness, impressive clarity and a late jolt of candied raspberry that doesn't let up. (Jan/Feb 2012)"

91 points Wine Spectator: "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. (10/31/11)"