'Les Saintes Vierges' Châteauneuf-du-Pape
2015
Domaine Santa Duc was founded in Gigondas 1874 and is now led by 6th generation owner and winemaker, Benjamin Gras. After Benjamin received his diploma of oenology at the University of Bourgogne he spent time at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Bodega Vega-Sicilia learning from some of the wine world's most famous estates. The goal at Santa Duc has always been to produce top-quality fruit from impeccably tended vineyard sites, the style of winemaking has changed with each generation....
See the DOMAINE SANTA DUC detail page for more information on this brand
Lieu-dit (single vineyard) Les Saintes Vierges, in the East of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Brown to light brown limestone from Miocene «safre» (marly sand).
Hand picked grapes are meticulously sorted and destemmed before being put through a quick gentle maceration and a soft punch down. Ageing takes place in large recent casks (foudres) for during 18 months.
The old Grenache vines, supported by Mourvèdre and Counoise, seem to have a penchant for the finesse and lightness of these sandy soils situated in the southeaster part of the appellation, which are slightly warmer than those of “La Crau Ouest”. The well-being of the vines reflects in the balanced taste of the wine, whose fine tannin structure entirely corresponds with the character of the terroir.
Perfumes of violet and rose petal linger from nose to finish in this graceful red. Made with 90% Grenache (augmented by 9% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise), the wine is sourced from sandy soils in the lieu-dit Les Saintes Vierges. Pristine and piercing red-cherry and raspberry flavors tread softly on silk-tipped tannins.
See detailed press review
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is another beautiful wine. Ripe cherries, blueberries, rose petals, spice, and hints of spring flowers all emerge on the nose, and it shines on the palate for its beautiful elegance and purity. Medium to full-bodied, with ripe, polished tannins and notable freshness, it's going to evolve for 15 years with no issues.
See detailed press review
This has a good, gutsy feel, with juicy and still slightly compact plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors taking the lead, while licorice root, apple wood and dried garrigue hints fill in as well. Shows more oomph than purity, but this is solidly built. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2024.
See detailed press review
Soft-edged, with elegant cassis, blood orange and cherry puree notes gliding through, lined with light hints of rose petal, red licorice and lavender through the finish.
See detailed press review