2012 Domaine La Bastide St. Dominique Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Ripe, deeply pitched black and blue fruit aromas are energized by notes of white pepper and smoky minerals. Expansive, palate-staining boysenberry and cherry liqueur flavors gain in spiciness with air. At once rich and lively, with supple tannins giving shape and thrust to the finish.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The star of the show is the 100% Grenache 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan. Coming all from sandy soils, it has a polished, classy style in its blueberry, plum sauce, toasted spice and licorice-dominated bouquet. Seeming to show some oak (although I believe this is aged all in tank) and some modern qualities, it stays beautifully balanced and is medium to full-bodied, thrillingly pure, seamless, and has building tannin that emerge on the finish. It’s a fabulous expression of Grenache to drink over the coming decade.
Inky ruby. Ripe black and blue fruits on the deeply pitched smoke- and spice-accented nose. Broad and fleshy, offering sweet, palate-staining blueberry and cassis flavors and a hint of candied licorice. Delivers a serious wallop of intense dark berry character on the relentless, incisive finish, which is firmed by smooth, harmonious tannins.
Vineyard soil: galets, sand, clay-limestone. Lieu-dit: Pignan. 100% Grenache. 18 months in tank. Dark crimson. Stewed blackberry nose and very sweet palate entry. This is so sweet I would advise drinking it as you would port. Just not quite refreshing enough for me. Hot finish. (JR)