2017 Santa Duc - Gigondas
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Tasting notes
Jammy red fruits, peppery spice, herbs, wet earth, charcoal and kirsch with a meaty character is what you find in the nose and on the rich, fresh palate. Length and purity are the hallmarks of this ready to go beauty. Santa Duc Aux Lieux-Dits is as the name implies, a multi vineyard bend which is about 75% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 2% Cinsault and is aged in old foudres and large terra cotta jars.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Offering a mélange of black olives and mixed berries on the nose, the 2017 Gigondas Aux Lieux-Dits is mostly Grenache and Syrah, with smaller portions of Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Medium to full-bodied and ripe yet sturdy, it has tightened up considerably since last year (pre-bottling) and now looks as if it will need a couple of years to reopen and smooth out.
Lurid violet color. Sexy, spice-accented aromas of raspberry, cherry preserves, incense and succulent flowers, along with a vibrant mineral element build in the glass. Offers concentrated yet lively red berry liqueur, floral pastille and spicecake flavors that stain the palate and display sharp clarity and mineral lift. Finishes with impressive nerviness and cut. Silky tannins frame the wine’s lingering, sweet fruit.
75% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 13% Mourvèdre, 2% Cinsault. Cask sample. Tasted blind. Stewed red fruits, black-cherry jam and a touch of redcurrant too. A welcome slice of acidic refreshment on the finish keeps everything on its toes. Might be too confected for some, but it suits the southern Rhône remit. (RH)