Domaine Santa Duc - Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes Vierges 2021

Benjamin Gras is following in the footsteps of his father, Yves, and, with the same talent, is crafting a range of deep and elegant single-vineyard wines, in which the purity of the fruit reflects a true obsession. A refined style, in which the wines sacrifice a bit of richness and concentration in favor of a very pure delicacy. In both Gigondas and Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the wines have a distinctive style that will leave no one indifferent.

Grown on sandy soils in the Courthezon area, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Counoise, and 10% Mourvèdre. Delicately fragrant with aromas of roses, cherries, and raspberries, this is an elegant, medium- to full-bodied Châteauneuf with a silky, crisp, and lingering finish.

The wine is alluring on the nose, displaying a beautifully refined style. The Grenache profile grown on sandy soil takes center stage. The nose is precise and delicate, with notes of rosewood, floral aromas, mild spices, and a hint of blood orange. The oak is well-integrated. On the palate, the wine is infused with a subtle power and offers a long, elegant finish.

Yves Gras took the reins of this iconic Gigondas estate in 1985. He established a full-bodied, rich style—one that was nonetheless refined—and the estate immediately gained international recognition. Several projects enhanced the estate: the restoration of Clos Derrière Vieille in 1994; and the acquisition of prime terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2009: Saintes Pierres, La Crau Ouest, Le Pied de Baud, Les Pradel, and La Font du Pape. In 2017, the arrival of Benjamin, the son, brought new energy and a shift in style. The wines still display the same character and power, but now possess more nuanced textures. They offer a palate with a well-rounded power and more graceful tactile sensations. The oak influences are also better integrated. The estate practices biodynamic viticulture; winemaking is carried out using indigenous yeasts; whole-cluster fermentation is used in some cases; and the wines are not filtered before bottling. The uniqueness of each cuvée led us to award the estate its first star upon its inclusion in the guide.

Made from biodynamically grown grapes, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes-Vierges is a full-bodied, spicy, and crisp wine. It features pronounced aromas of blood orange, ripe raspberry, and cranberry, with hints of licorice, iodine, and dried herbs. The supple tannins and refreshing acidity carry through to the complex finish.