While Chateauneuf-du-Pape gets all the acclaim in the southern Rhone- wines like this one from Domaine Santa Duc will convince you that maybe we’ve all been sleeping on its neighbor Gigondas. For the Gras family this Gigondas bottling is the top of their lineup and it shows. I was nearly emotional trying this wine because it truly is something special. The blend this vintage is now 50/50 Grenache and Mourvèdre and shows the most depth and concentration of their lineup. Ripe sundrenched black cherry stewed black plum black licorice and a dusting of clove and star anise with soft velvety tannins and a finish that lingers long after you put down the glass.