'Habemus Papam' Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

DOMAINE SANTA DUC

'Habemus Papam' Châteauneuf-du-Pape
2016

  • Organic
  • Biodynamic
Country
France
Regulated designation
Appellation origine controlée (AOC)
Region
Rhône Valley
Subregion
Southern Rhône
Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Varietal(s)
Grenache 64 %
Syrah 25 %
Mourvèdre 10 %
Counoise 1 %
Colour
Red
Sugar
Dry
Producer's website
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About this winery

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

Product notes

A papal wine that draws its power and confidence from the soil of different vineyards situated in the north, east and the center of the appellation. The sandy clay and safre soils of "Les Saintes Vierges" and "Le Pradel", and ancient alluvial and molassic sands of "La Font du Pape", contribute to the overall picture.

Production notes

Hand picked and sorted, whole bunch fermentation with punching down for gentle extraction. Aged 18 months in foudre and terracotta jars.

Tasting notes

The traditional blending of different vineyards and historical grape varieties of the region, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Counoise, finds its raison d’être in the elegance and harmony of the wines it produces.

Press reviews

Jeb Dunnuck

- 95 points -

Jeb Dunnuck, October 2020 (Vintage 2018)

My favorite in the lineup, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Habemus Papam plays in the more full-bodied, powerful end of the spectrum, showing a smoking good core of ripe red and blue fruits, roasted garrigue, toasted spices, violets, and earth-like aromas and flavors. With plenty of mid-palate depth, an expansive, rounded texture, and a great finish, this sexy 2018 can be enjoyed any time over the coming 10 to 15 years. As with all the 2018s from this estate, the texture as well as the balance are spot-on.

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Wine Spectator

- 95 points -

November 2020 (Vintage 2018)

Rather lush, with a gorgeous velvety mouthfeel to its mix of crushed plum, boysenberry puree and steeped black cherry fruit. Long threads of black tea, mineral and incense dangle through the finish, adding to the alluring feel. 

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Wine Spectator

- 94 points -

February 2022 (Vintage 2019)

Stylish and silky, relying on higher-toned red currant, cherry and raspberry fruit aromas and flavors, with red tea, savory and subtle mineral details throughout. Features a late echo of worn leather, which adds nice contrast on the finish. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2023 through 2038. 400 cases made, 200 cases imported.

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Jeb Dunnuck

- 93 points -

Jeb Dunnuck, September 2018 (Vintage 2016)

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam is another fresh, medium to full-bodied, classic wine from this estate. Giving up ample red and black fruits, ground pepper, new leather, and garrigue-like aromas and flavors, it’s nicely textured, has remarkable purity, and ripe tannins. 

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Jeb Dunnuck

92+ POINTS

November 2021 (Vintage 2019)

Gorgeous blackberry and black cherry fruits as well as peppery garrigue, camphor, violets, and spicy notes all emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Habemus Papam, a classic, balanced, pure, and elegant Châteauneuf that offers a beautiful sense of freshness and purity while still showing tons of character. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, partially destemmed, and aged in foudre and clay jars, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.

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Vinous

(92-94) POINTS

August 2018

Limpid ruby. Deep, smoke-accented dark berry and violet pastille scents are energized by a jolt of peppery spice. Smoky, sweet and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Shows very good power and energy and finishes with excellent persistence, featuring velvety, late-arriving tannins and a discreet touch of gaminess.

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