Domaine Santa Duc - Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille 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.

Made entirely from whole-cluster Grenache, the 2021 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille offers fragrant aromas of rose, raspberry, and cherry. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied, with silky tannins accentuated by crisp acidity, and a long finish.

The aroma profile features floral notes, faded rose, cherry pits, and a subtle hint of poultry. The palate is clear and well-defined, with a beautiful breadth of flavor; the wine is composed, with well-integrated, gently extracted flavors, and remains very graceful.

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.

Deep ruby red. Highly aromatic, with spicy and mineral notes, it offers aromas of red and black fruits, exotic spices, vanilla, and potpourri, with subtle nuances and a hint of smokiness. On the palate, it is juicy, smooth, and full-bodied. Vibrant flavors of raspberry, cherry jam, five-spice powder, and floral notes are complemented by hints of licorice and espresso that develop on the finish. With a smooth, even texture, this wine offers a finish of exceptional clarity, polished tannins, and a floral aftertaste.