Domaine Santa Duc : Le Pied de Baud 2021

A high-toned red, with appealing spicy depth and range to the fresh red fruit flavors. Offers red tea, incense smoke and green herb notes that chime in on the well-knit, approachable frame, with all the harsh edges expertly honed. Delivers supple tannins, with nice purity throughout. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2032. 366 cases made, 55 cases imported.

Le Pied de Baud is the brightest star among Domaine Santa Duc's 2021 Châteauneuf portfolio. The 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Counoise are from the same-name lieu-dit to the north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and are all vinified together in one co-fermentation. Aging lasts 18 months in a combination of Austrian oak foudres and terracotta amphorae. The result is a structured red that bursts with blood orange, wild strawberry, raspberry and garrigue notes. Iodine and fresh mint add further complexity. Full-bodied and expressive, this 2021 red finishes with outstanding persistence.

Spicy kirsch, pepper, herbs, and forest leaves open the nose. But here, it’s the supple, creamy textures, freshness, sweetness, and purity in the red fruits on the medium-bodied palate, along with the elegant finish, that steal the show. The wine was produced mostly from old-vine Grenache, with Mourvedre and Cinsault in the blend. Drink from 2024–2036.

A beautiful expression of juicier fruit, with a rather indulgent expression of Grenache on red fruits and spices. The palate is broader than Saint Pierre, with more structure and a lovely, opulent style. The wine has remarkable depth for a 2021.