Famille Gras By Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2020

Hi Folks, One of the Southern Rhone Valley's Greatest wineries is Domaine Santa Duc who produce an illustrious collection of classic Rhone Reds from breath-taking Châteauneuf du Pape's, Gigondas, Vacqueyras to Rasteau and more! Many of the most accomplished and trusted wine critics who have written extensively on the subject of the Rhone Valley have all come to a census that Domaine Santa Duc under the watchful guidance of the talented young winemaker Benjamin Gras are very much a winery on an upward trajectory and even more exciting times are ahead in the future. With the vast array of quality Reds on offer from top appellations released by Santa Duc, I've sought counsel from the brains trust and we've chosen Santa Duc's refined Old Vines Cotes du Rhone Rouge; which has developed very gracefully over the last couple of years and is now in its ideal drinking window. In regards to the flavour profile, the 3 x biggest wine magazine head scribes have all enjoyed the Domaine Santa Duc style in recent times and they've kindly provided their thoughts with a brief guide as to what to expect from the Domaine Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone Rouge.

''Full bodied and creamy in texture, this is a ripe wine with hints of black olives, leather and chocolate. A long finish long.'' Joe Czerwinski, Wine Enthusiast Magazine

''This delivers a rounded, juicy core of red cherry and currant fruit, with fine tannins.'' James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Magazine 

''Notes of pepper, garrigue, black cherry and currants along with some tobacco leaf and underbrush are all present in this medium-bodied Red.'' Wine Advocate Magazine 

As for my take, this is a vibrant and silky Red produced from 40-50 year old vines that has fruit at the forefront with acidity and body in perfect balance. Highlighted by aromas of ripe cherry, dark fruits with hints of spice and cocoa on a medium-full bodied style. 

''Domaine Santa Duc is perfectly tended and meticulously maintained. A little quantity of wines is available and goes quickly. Don’t wait.'' Antoine Pétrus,  Bettane & Desseauve, Guide des Vins