Domaine Santa Duc : Le Pied de Baud 2022

There’s supple elegance and a mineral-driven character to the crunchy red fruit and smoldering incense flavors on a fresh, balanced palate. Notes of smoked meat and cast iron make an impression toward the finish, with a waft of mesquite ash, sweet spices and gentle tannins. This is going for a different, more refined style of Châteauneuf. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2038. 373 cases made, 50 cases imported.

Smooth, fine, silty tannins make their impression here. There’s good freshness; it’s a pure expression. Violets and spice, with a little smoky note. Not hugely long, but it has a lovely tannic line. Coplanted Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault on sand, galets and clay.

This is still quite closed, and is clearly a wine for the long term. Intense licorice, smoke and earthy character on the beautifully crafted, full-bodied palate. Very long, compact finish with a wonderful velvety texture. From a vineyard at the edge of the plateaus of Chateauneuf planted with grenache and mourvedre plus a small amount of cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink from release.

Cask sample. Also a little reduced on the nose. There is a gentle sweetness to the palate. A touch of herbal and garrigue notes, but always with energy. Fine, elegant tannins that are well proportioned and balanced within the frame of the wine. A lovely lick of acidity on the finish as well – graphite and smoke come through at the end. (AC)

Ripe raspberry, pencil shavings, blood orange, dried herbs and fleshy gradations unveil the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Pied de Baud. Full-bodied, round and harmonious, the ambitious 2022 shines with elegance and class. It finishes with remarkable persistence on the complex finish.

With aromatic, delicate notes of dark cherries, licorice and fresh thyme, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Pied de Baud possesses a medium- to full-bodied, juicy and elegant, textured and layered palate framed by precise, delicate tannins and a fleshy core of fruit that segues into a long, ethereal and floral finish. This blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault was matured in foudres (from Stockinger) and jars. I like its overall balance and energy, and it should have two decades of longevity.