Extract from the CHICAGO WINE JOURNAL: Submitted by Lawrence B. Johnson on Jan 15, 2016

To glimpse the poor, stony soil is to wonder how it could ever produce the grapes that Domaine Santa Duc in turn translates into some of the most seductive wine in the Southern Rhône Valley appellation of Gigondas. But the proof was there in a palate-pleasing, indeed eye-opening vertical sampler of Santa Duc’s single-vineyard, old-vine Gigondas Prestige des Hautes Garrigues.

Santa Duc GigondasDomaine Santa Duc prides itself on creating superb Gigondas from what might fairly be described as defiant clay soil. And the three vintages tasted with friends – 2005, 2007 and 2010 – brought unanimous expressions of enthusiasm that differed essentially over the question of which of these dark, robust and engaging wines elicited the greatest personal pleasure.

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The castle of Pierry, an 18^th-century country seat, has been the beautiful setting of SommelierS International’s latest tasting, dedicated to Winegrowers’ Champagnes. About 200 cuvées crafted by Champagne winegrowers were tasted in the Kings Gallery of the castle, in the presence of Serge Dubs and Philippe Faure-Brac, both best Sommelier of the World, and Michèle Chantôme, président of the sommeliers of Morocco.

Champagne Le Clos l’Abbé Blanc de Blancs Brut Harvest 2007

Visual aspect : Very pale yellow, silvery tinges. Fine bubbles.
Nose : fine, with herbs and spices, bergamot, slightly citric.
Palate : Pure, with more vegetable notes, citric (lemon, yellow grapefruit). Good presence of bubbles. The finish is superb.
Match with food : combava scallops Carpaccio.
Comments : A very beautiful Champagne.

WOW... 7 years already, with two yeras of which in barrels and five years in bottles. That’s reasonably old, as compared to our usual wine drinking behavior (WINE ENTHUSIAST revealed in 2012 that more than 90% of wine was consumed within 48 hours of purchase, regardless to origin and quality…). But it seems this is still young for this wine from CAHORS (mainly made of MALBEC grapes).

Very intense, it exhales aromas of cherry, tar and toasted hazelnuts, or cherries in syrup, with prunes and smoked bacon, chocolate and caramel… if you prefer. Powerful, its opulence kisses my tongue and is gently caressing the palate. The overall impression though remains tagged by a superbe and delicate acidity, to which the Verhaeghe brothers seem to have found the door, the key, and the secret hideaway. Very fine and still youthful tannins and of nice length. An encouragement to taste, to enjoy and to feast... but without being in a rush. You still have time, it’s (almost) as well in your cellar as in your glass.

CARNIVOR SUPPORT : This wine loves duck !
HERBIVORE SUPPORT : Ratatouille with risolle made of milo and oriental spices, Hokkaido pumpkin & boletus risotto…

Dark coloured, almost black, with purple hues.

The nose is profound as its colour, with spices - chocolate, vanilla – ripe cherry and freshly cut rosemary. It’s a very rich nose, primary somehow reluctant, that fully opens in the glass.

A straight mouth, fresh and round on the palate, with lots of young but smooth tannins. A long finish on fruit.

This wine has it s own character, reflecting perfectly its terroir et origins. Still young, but already excellent company for a roasted duck or a Coq-au-vin. Decanting about an hour before tasting will reveal all its aromatic potential.

Tasted on october 25^th 2010