2021 Santa Duc Clos Derriere Vieille Gigondas, Southern Rhone

Offers a seductive, refined nose of potpourri, currant and fresh plum notes. Finely grained tannins encase the smooth palate, firmly grounded with bolts of iron. Heady incense and perfume notes carry through the medium palate, tightly packed with mouthwatering acidity and smoke. Drink now through 2032. 623 cases made, 121 cases imported.

92 points winespectator.com

An exceptional red wine from the Southern Rhône that beautifully captures the elegance, complexity, and power of this renowned appellation. Produced by Domaine Santa Duc, a family-run estate celebrated for its dedication to organic and biodynamic viticulture, Clos Derrière Vieille is sourced from a single high-altitude vineyard nestled behind the village of Gigondas. The unique terroir, featuring limestone and marl soils along with cooling breezes, allows the grapes—primarily Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre—to ripen slowly, achieving a perfect balance of concentration, freshness, and minerality.

On the palate, Santa Duc Clos Derrière Vieille Gigondas delivers a refined yet bold profile of dark cherry, blackberry, and plum, interwoven with savory notes of garrigue herbs, black olive, and hints of smoked meat. Subtle nuances of spice, including black pepper and clove, emerge from gentle oak aging, adding depth without overshadowing the vibrant fruit. The wine’s fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity create a harmonious structure, leading to a long, complex finish with lingering notes of earth, crushed violets, and a touch of minerality that reflects its unique hillside origins.

This Gigondas pairs wonderfully with rich and rustic dishes, making it an ideal companion for slow-cooked lamb, beef stews, and grilled game meats. It also complements Mediterranean-inspired fare, such as roasted vegetables, ratatouille, and dishes featuring rosemary, thyme, or truffle. Perfect for enjoying now with decanting, this wine also has excellent aging potential, developing further complexity and texture over the next 10–15 years.