"The Domaine Santa Duc has emerged in just over a decade as the number one estate for quality in Gigondas. […] Is this the finest estate in Gigondas ?
As the following notes demonstrates, Santa Duc combines the muscle, richness and fire of a classic Gigondas with a degree of elegance and purity that many wines of this appellation lack."
Domaine Santa Duc 4*/5
Straightforward and wise, Yves Gras is however one of the key figures of Gigondas. When he took over the Estate in 1985, he focused on producing wine with exemplary depth. Santa Duc vineyard is perfectly tended and meticulously maintained. The barrel (225 L) was quickly replaced by the cask (3600 L) and Mouvèdre takes an important place in the blend. A little quantity of bottles is available and goes quickly. Don’t wait.
"Yves Gras is one of the appellation's standard bearers [...]. He's toned down the use of oak in recent years."
Domaine Santa Duc is one of the reference points of winemaking in Gigondas as well as one of the model estates in the Southern Rhone. The Duke of Gigondas,Yves Gras, is a charismatic and eloquent champion for these two great villages, easing them out of the shadow of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and into the light of a recognition which is far removed from an outdated reputation for rustic tannins and indulgent alcohol levels.
[…] a great name in Gigondas.
Domaine Santa Duc, where young Benjamin Gras is doing some of the best work in the entire southern Rhône right now, makes a superb Vacqueyras.
The young yet obviously talented Benjamin Gras continues to make an elegant, beautifully balanced style of wine from this benchmark estate in Gigondas, which now also produces a handful of terrific Châteauneuf du Pape. He’s made the most of the 2018 vintage, and these are impressive wines.
