Dear *|FNAME|*,

Domaine Santa Duc from the Southern Rhône appellation of Gigondas, ‘must be counted among the handful of great producers in Gigondas’, wrote Vinous last month and we wholeheartedly agree. They’ve developed a following for their elegant and complex high-altitude Grenache-based blends. ‘It's no exaggeration to say that Benjamin Gras is crafting some of the most elegant and soulful wines in the Southern Rhône.’ – Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

Gigondas has cemented itself as the region to watch in the Rhône. ‘The average quality standard for Gigondas is remarkable, regardless of the prices asked', wrote Josh Raynolds from Vinous.

Their 2019 Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits, organically and biodynamically farmed, is a medium-bodied blend of 75% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, with an energy that defies the dry conditions of the 2019 vintage.

Built in 1847, Yves Gras’s tireless work put Santa Duc and Gigondas on the radar of critics and wine lovers alike since he took over in 1985. His son Benjamin, 6th generation vigneron, took over in 2017, ‘pushing quality even higher’ with wines of ’markedly greater finesse’, writes Josh Raynolds of Vinous.

Though 2019 vintage saw warm and dry conditions, many vignerons were excited by the quality, claiming it to be of the best since the stellar 2016s.

Don’t miss the last few bottles of Santa Duc’s famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape Habemus Papam 2019! It is classic and characterful Châteauneuf-du-Pape, fresh balanced, stylish, and silky with garrigue and fine tea-like tannins that gives a long finish to this 70/30 Grenache/Syrah blend.

Reply to this email or visit our website to place your order online.

Vinous regards,

Tasting notes

Santa Duc Gigondas Aux Lieux Dits 2019

‘Dark ruby. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet features ripe red and dark berry and spice qualities, along with incense and smoked meat hints. Conveys a suave blend of richness and energy, offering appealingly sweet black raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and a touch of candied lavender. The floral note repeats emphatically on the impressively long finish, which features harmonious tannins that fold smoothly into the wine’s lush, highly expressive fruit. 2024-2034’ – Josh Raynolds, Vinous, 95/100

‘Tasted blind. Expressive strawberry fruit and maraschino cherry. The palate is vibrant and mouth-filling, the fine tannins support this and there is a remarkable zip of freshness through the wine. A subtle lick of salinity on the finish. Great elegance here. 2024 – 2031’ – Alistair Cooper MW, JancisRobinson.com, 17.5+/20

‘This sports a fun tumble of cassis, cherry paste and raspberry coulis notes, while red licorice, roasted applewood and tar accents fill in. Has range and energy from start to finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2023 – 2036.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 94/100

‘Grenache to the fore, strawberry and Victoria plum, but all the varieties make themselves known. This is medium-bodied, not excessive, large or heavy with real purity and drinkability. It has a good sense of balance and elegance with fine tannins. The alcohol is warm but not out of balance. Eight different plots around Gigondas, biodynamically farmed, partly destemmed. 2022 – 2030’ – Matt Walls, Decanter, 93/100

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