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2020 GIGONDAS Aux Lieux-Dits Domaine Santa Duc, Lea & Sandeman

GIGONDAS

2020 Aux Lieux-Dits Domaine Santa Duc

IN STOCK
Grapes Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache
Colour Red
Origin France, Rhône
Other Bio-dynamic, Certified Organic
District Southern Rhône
Village Gigondas
ABV 14.5%

75% Grenache 13% Mourvèdre 10% Syrah & 2% Cinsault from Stockinger foudre and terracotta amphorae, bottled in Sept 22 released in 23. 50% whole bunch. Fruity and fresh on the nose, vibrant, sweet raspberry & violets, red cherry with lots of generosity. Soft tannins, this flows really nicely, now ready to drink. Lots of good energy here, the acidity is down played but helps to keep everything in balance. Great Gigondas. L&S (Jul 2022)

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Brilliant ruby. Intensely perfumed, mineral- and spice-driven aromas of ripe red and blue fruit and potpourri show sharp definition; suggestions of woodsmoke and incense build in the glass. Shows outstanding depth as well as energy on the palate, offering powerful raspberry, kirsch and floral pastille flavors and a strong note of exotic spices. It finishes with an alluring sweetness and harmonious tannins that lend shape to a wonderfully long, spice- and floral-accented finish. Rating: 95-96 Josh Raynolds, www.vinousmedia.com (Jan 2023)

Deep nose of red fruits with subtle aromas of dry earth and spice. Rich and suave on the generous palate where the dense fine tannins are already beautifully integrated. Very long velvety finish which has a remarkably delicacy. A cuvee of eight separate plots on the high plain of Gigondas. About 75% grenache, plus mourvedre and a little bit of syrah and cinsault. 75% whole bunch. Matured in a combination of Stockinger oak foudre and clay amphora. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold. Rating: 94 Stuart Pigott, JamesSuckling.com (May 2023)

Domaine Santa Duc

The name of Domaine Santa Duc has been at the pinnacle of wine in Gigondas since the mid 80’s when, under the firm guidance of the irrepressible and charismatic Yves Gras, they gained international recognition and high scores from wine critics. They have, for some time, been a reference point for quality and style, from one of the most consistently brilliant Crus in the Southern Rhone.

The future of the domaine is now in the very capable hands of Yves' son Benjamin, who becomes the 6th generation of the family to head up the estate. To borrow from Matt Walls ‘Yves Gras and his son Benjamin are very different characters. Yves has the air of a retired East End enforcer, but Benjamin is bookish and jovial’. It would appear from our recent tastings that the estate is in safe hands. Having a respectable CV that boasts stages at Domaine de la Romanée Conti and Vega Sicilia, and visits to nearly every wine producing country in the world, he brings fresh views and ideas, whilst respecting the traditions of his father's work and the past.

The entire 30-hectare estate is now biodynamically farmed and certified, with an emphasis on total respect for nature in the vineyard. They comprise a patchwork of prime vineyard sites in Gigondas totalling 13 hectares, including two brilliant lieux-dits, Les Hautes Garrigues & Clos Derriere Vieille, that bring out the very best expression of Grenache, Syrah & Mourvedre. There is also 6 hectares of prized parcels in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, that have gained high praise in a short space of time. The balance is spread across Vacqueyras and Cotes du Rhone. Nearly all the vines are trained goblet, with a program of Massal selection ongoing to ensure healthy vines from older rootstocks.

The wine making philosophy, like so many now, is as little intervention as possible. Stainless steel fermentation, with a proportion of stems and a short maceration followed by ageing in a mixture of large foudres and terracotta amphorae. The wines are fresh, elegant, pure, dark fruited and long lived although approachable in their youth too. Be in no doubt, these are some of the best wines being made in the southern Rhone.

Santa Duc Horizontal Mixed Six

Despite a challenging growing season marred by drought, the 2020 vintage from Domaine Santa Duc stands out for its quality and elegance. In Gigondas, wines like Les Hautes Garrigues and Aux Lieux-Dits earned 96-point ratings. Praised for their depth, dark fruit, and refined structure, these wines would stand the test of time. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape, stand-out bottlings such as Les Saintes Vierges, La Crau Ouest, and Le Pied de Baud received scores of 97 points, and were noted for their complexity, floral notes, and balance. This vintage reflects Santa Duc’s commitment to biodynamic practices and expressive, age-worthy wines.

Southern Rhône Mixed Case Offer

Southern Rhône Mixed Case Offer

A Journey Through the Crus

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of France's Southern Rhône valley with this exceptional 12-bottle collection. 🍇 We have hand-selected six remarkable wines from the region's most celebrated appellations, showcasing the power, elegance, and complexity that make this area a paradise for lovers of fine red wine.

This is more than just a case of wine; it's a curated exploration of terroir, from the legendary slopes of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to the rugged hills of Gigondas. Featuring benchmark wines from master producers, this collection offers a perfect opportunity to cellar, compare, and indulge in the very best of the Southern Rhône.

What's Inside the Case?

This case contains two 75cl bottles of each of the following six wines (twelve bottles in total):

2 x 2021 LIRAC La Dame Rousse, Domaine de la Mordorée
A benchmark of the appellation from one of its most revered producers. Expect a beautifully aromatic and silky wine, offering a sublime balance of ripe raspberry and black cherry fruit with notes of violet, garrigue, and spice. Elegant, refined, and utterly compelling.

2 x 2022 RASTEAU Les Coteaux, Domaine des Escaravailles
A powerful and expressive Rasteau that captures the sun-drenched intensity of the terroir. This is a rich, full-bodied wine bursting with concentrated dark plum, blackberry, and liquorice, all wrapped in a structure of ripe, velvety tannins. A classic example of powerhouse Grenache.

2 x 2021 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Tradition Domaine Jean Royer
A supple Grenache loaded with cherry fruit, floral notes and a hint of spice. Medium to full bodied, this a superb approachable Châteauneuf du Pape. Ready to drink but with a few years ahead. It will be good friends with a leg of lamb or a venison stew.

2 x 2023 VACQUEYRAS, Domaine la Bouïssière
A superb example of Vacqueyras' structured and age-worthy potential. This wine is robust and deeply coloured, offering intense notes of black cherry, fig, and pepper. Its firm tannins and vibrant acidity promise excellent development in the cellar, though it is already deeply satisfying.

2 x 2020 GIGONDAS Aux Lieux-Dits, Domaine Santa Duc
An absolute masterclass in Gigondas from the legendary Domaine Santa Duc. This wine is a mosaic of different plots ('lieux-dits'), creating a wine of incredible dimension and minerality. Expect profound notes of dark berries, crushed stone, violets, and peppery spice, all supported by a magnificent tannic backbone. A true collector's item.

2 x 2023 CÔTES DU RHÔNE VILLAGES ROAIX, Domaine Élodie Balme
Discover the immense talent of rising star Élodie Balme with this vibrant and expressive Roaix. Made with minimal intervention, this wine showcases pure, juicy Grenache fruit with a lovely freshness. Notes of redcurrant and wild herbs lead to a supple, energetic palate. It is the perfect, delicious introduction to a top winemaking talent.

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