GIGONDAS
2021 Les Hautes Garrigues Domaine Santa Duc
Grapes | Grenache, Mourvèdre |
Colour | Red |
Origin | France, Rhône |
Other | Certified Organic |
District | Southern Rhône |
Village | Gigondas |
ABV | 13.5% |
Elegant to the core, the 2021 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues dazzles with fragrant orange peel, rose petal, raspberry, blueberry and black cherry. Minty and earthy gradations complement the aromatic profile. Firm tannins frame this medium to full-bodied 2021 red, giving way to a stimulating finish. Readers should note that the addition of the word Préstige to the wine name was removed, as winemaker and proprietor Benjamin Gras felt it was too generic. Drinking range: 2026 - 2036 Rating: 92 Nicholas Greinacher - Vinousmedia.com (Jan 2024)
Alternatively, we may well have some bottles in one of our shops - why not give us a call on 0207 244 0522 or send an email to: sales@leaandsandeman.co.uk.
Or, check the RELATED PRODUCTS below for different vintages or wines of a similar style.
Lastly, the 2021 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues is the flagship release and comes from older vines around the estate, on the lower plateau. Based on equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre that was not destemmed and was raised in Stockinger foudres and 20% in terracotta, it has lots of wild strawberry, peppery garrigue, and leather notes to go with a juicy, lively, vibrant style on the palate. It's balanced and has the vintage’s fresher, focused style, fine tannins, and outstanding length. It's going to have 10-12 years of prime drinking and should clearly be an outstanding wine. Rating: 90-92 Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Nov 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.
- For full delivery details see our Delivery page.
- We offer free nationwide* delivery for all orders over £150 with our own vans. We also offer an express delivery service for an additional charge.
- Order & Collect from any of our 5 London shops. Order by Midnight for collection the next working day from 11am.
- Private wine storage: we offer a full In Bond and Duty Paid private wine storage service - find out more here.
ORDER COLLECT
ORDER ONLINE AND COLLECT FROM ONE OF OUR SHOPS