2021 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas Clos Derriere Vieille

Like the Aux Lieux-Dits and Les Hautes Garrigues, the 2021 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille was fermented entirely with whole clusters. At the moment, the resulting stemmy funkiness dominates the aromatic profile. After a few minutes in the glass, delicate orange blossom, redcurrant, raspberry and licorice elements paint a more complex picture. Grippy tannins need two more years in bottle to soften but lend good structure to this refined and concentrated 2021 Gigondas.

The 2021 Gigondas Clos Derrière Vieille is 100% Grenache from the Clos Derrière Vielle lieu-dit, which sits just behind the village of Gigondas. These are clay and limestone soils, and the wine was not destemmed and is still resting in 81% Stockinger foudres and 20% terracotta amphora. Juicy strawberries, passion fruit, flowers, and pepper all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a good core of sweet fruit and a good finish. This charming, easygoing 2021 will drink nicely right out of the gate and evolve for 7-8 years.

Dark ruby. Highly perfumed, spice- and mineral-accented red and dark berry, exotic spice, vanilla and potpourri scents show fine detail and a touch of smokiness. It's sappy, sweet and penetrating on the palate. Vibrant raspberry, cherry preserve, five-spice powder and floral pastille flavors are complemented by hints of licorice and espresso that build on the back half. Smooth and seamless in texture, this shows outstanding finishing clarity, polished tannins and a floral-driven persistence. Raised in Stockinger foudres and amphoras.