2017 Domaine Santa Duc ‘La Crau Ouest’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape

WA96 Old-vine Grenache (80+ years of age) from sandy soils in the named lieu-dit has been translated into a remarkably elegant 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau Ouest. Lively strawberry and raspberry fruit almost vibrates with dramatic tension, picking up hints of lavender and thyme on the long finish. This is medium to full-bodied, but seems almost airy-light in feel, framed by silky tannins. Biodynamic and aged in amphora, it has the substance to back up the buzzwords.
VIN94-95 Brilliant violet. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, Asian spices, garrigue and incense expand with air and pick up a smoky mineral aspect. Palate-caressing, appealingly sweet Chambord, cherry cola and spicecake flavors are joined by an exotic floral pastille quality that gains strength on the back half. Juicy, focused and energetic in style, showing superb finishing clarity and smooth tannins that sneak in slowly.
Estate Notes: 100% Grenache. Very qualitative sandy soil of La Crau Ouest. 80+ year-old vines. Hand-picked with a very selective sorting, short and soft maceration. Soft punching down. In terracotta jars during 18 months to enhance fruit, minerality and authenticity of both terroir and grape variety.
Pack Size: 6x750ml