2022 Domaine Santa Duc, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Crau Ouest

One of Benjamin Gras's most intriguing, refined and elegant wines, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau Ouest offers aromas of dark cherries, rose, peony, fresh thyme and garrigue. Though less dense than its counterparts, it is medium to full-bodied, with a tense and ethereal texture structured by velvety tannins and an ethereal, vertical energy that brings freshness and finesse to the finish. Crafted entirely from old vines of Grenache Noir in the lieu-dit of La Crau, this is a candidate for the wine of the vintage.

Cask sample. Delicious nose – so inviting. Crushed red fruits and raspberry, a slight pepper note. The palate is delicate and has so much strawberry fruit – wild strawberry. The palate is light and elegant but with great concentration as well. The tannins are fine, structured and delicate – an ethereal, burgundy-style Châteauneuf! (AC)