Domaine Santa Duc Les Hautes Garrigues Gigondas Red Rhone Blend 2020

FRANCE : RHONE : GIGONDASCERTIFIED BIODYNAMIC : Grenache, MourvèdreFULL-BODIED, DARK CHERRY, BLACKBERRY, LICORICE, GARRIGUE, OAKThe Hautes Garrigues is a 2.8-hectare lieu-dit on the high plateau of Gigondas, farmed by the Gras family since 1852. Vine age averages 75 years, the soil a porous mix of sandy clay and coarse gravel from a Quaternary colluvial fan at the base of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The parcel name is literal: high scrubland, where the wild aromatic garrigue of Provence shows up directly in the wine.Domaine Santa Duc spent decades building a reputation for bold, extracted Gigondas under Yves Gras. His son Benjamin, who trained at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Vega Sicilia before returning home, arrived with different priorities: 75% whole-cluster fermentation, Stockinger foudres and terracotta amphorae for a neutral 18-month élevage, no fining, no filtration. The wines from these parcels are measurably more precise for it.Six critics reviewed the 2020, with scores from 94 to 96: Wine Enthusiast 96 (Cellar Selection), Vinous 95-96, Jeb Dunnuck 95, James Suckling 95, Wine Spectator 95, Decanter 94. Jeb Dunnuck called it "a gorgeous Gigondas any way you look at it." Best from 2028, through 2040 and likely beyond.PAIRINGS : Braised lamb shoulder with herbes de Provence garrigue in the wine echoes the herbs directly Wild boar ragù with pappardelle Mourvèdre's savory depth finds its equal in game meat Roasted leg of lamb with rosemary the quintessential Gigondas pairing; 75-year-old vines deserve it

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