Domaine Santa Duc 'Les Saintes Vierges' Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019

Domaine Santa Duc 'Les Saintes Vierges' Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 is an extraordinarily refined, elegant, and aromatic biodynamic red wine crafted from old vines grown on the sandy soils of the "Les Saintes Vierges" lieu-dit. Co-fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in Stockinger foudres and terracotta amphorae, it exhibits a brilliant ruby hue and opens with high-toned, complex aromatics of wild raspberries, red cherry confit, crushed rose petals, and subtle garrigue spices. On the palate, it is supple and medium-to-full-bodied, showing pure red fruit flavors framed by silken, seamless tannins, bright acidity, and a long, saline, mineral-accented finish.

Food Pairing: Pairs superbly with roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast, herb-crusted pork loin, wild mushroom risotto, and aged hard cheeses.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

This has a good, gutsy feel, with juicy and still slightly compact plum, raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors taking the lead, while licorice root, apple wood and dried garrigue hints fill in as well. Shows more oomph than purity, but this is solidly built. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise. Best from 2024 through 2038.