2017 Domaine Santa Duc ‘Le Pied de Baud’ Châteauneuf-du-Pape

WA95  A blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault from a classic red clay and galets roulés lieu-dit, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud hints at roses and star anise on the nose, then adds raspberry and cherry fruit. Less ephemeral and silky than the other CdPs in this stable, it’s still a solid offering, being medium to full-bodied, sturdy and intense, with a rich, velvety feel and long finish.
VIN93-94 Deep shimmering ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red and dark berries, baking spices and garrigue slowly pick up a smoky element as the wine stretches out. Juicy and seamless in texture, offering alluringly sweet black raspberry, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that show energetic lift and fine delineation. The floral and spice notes carry strongly through an impressively long, penetrating finish shaped by smooth, slow-building tannins.
Estate Notes: 80% Grenache old vines, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. Cuvée made from Le Pied de Baud lieu-dit at the north-west of Châteauneuf-du-Pape area. Red clay soil mixed with pebbles. Manual picking with very selective sorting, destemming, short maceration with soft pigeages and pumping overs. 18 months in recent foudres and terracotta jars.