92
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2003 Prestige des Hautes Garrigues Red (Gigondas)
-
$54
Even though this tips the scales at close to 16% alcohol, there’s no trace of heat, just an incredible lush, creamy texture and layers of rich raspberry and blackberry fruit. Hints of coffee and cocoa from two years aging in oak impart nuance, but the old-vine fruit comfortably carries the day. Drink now–2015+.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
92
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2006 Hauts Garrigues Red (Gigondas)
- Cellar Selection
- Online Exclusive
More reserved, backward and tannic than the domaine’s 2006 Tradition, this wine features similar aromas of garrigue and flavors of chocolate, black olive, plum and spice. It’s firm on the finish, but boasts sufficient fruit to see it through. Drink 2012–2020.
— J.C.
(12/15/2009)
91
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2004 Red (Gigondas)
-
$37
This is one wine I could sit and smell all day, with its incredible black pepper nose and lovely blackberry fruit. May not have quite the richness and density of the 2003 version, but instead displays impeccable balance, freshness and length.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
91
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2006 Tradition Red (Gigondas)
Yves Gras’s wines consistently offer an exemplary organoleptic definition of garrigue, and this wine is no exception. The spice-and-herb-infused aromas marry easily with notes of chocolate and black olive in this creamy, rich wine. Long and velvety on the finish, this should evolve for 10–15 years.
— J.C.
(12/15/2009)
89
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2003 Red (Gigondas)
-
$37
No doubt Santa Duc is a modern estate, but the wines still stay true to their terroir, matching spice with fruit and keeping the oak to a nuance, not a crescendo. Intense boysenberry and mulberry flavors, spicy, peppery complexity and firm, sturdy tannins should stand this wine in good stead as it ages over the next 10 years or so.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
88
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2004 Les Quartres Terroirs Red (Côtes du Rhône Villages)
-
$15
Rich and a little alcoholic (15.5%), but not overly heavy or hot. Comes off as rather easy to drink for a wine of this size, with supple tannins and ripe blackberry flavors.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)
86
points
Domaine Santa Duc 2002 Red (Gigondas)
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$33
Poured to show it was possible to make good wine in this miserable vintage, this wine doesn't have a lot of stuffing, but is pleasant to drink now. Cedar and vanilla notes frame peppery, spiced cherries.
— J.C.
(11/15/2006)