Old-vine Grenache (80+ years of age) from sandy soils in the named lieu-dit has been translated into a remarkably elegant 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau Ouest. Lively strawberry and raspberry fruit almost vibrates with dramatic tension, picking up hints of lavender and thyme on the long finish. This is medium to full-bodied, but seems almost airy-light in feel, framed by silky tannins. Biodynamic and aged in amphora, it has the substance to back up the buzzwords. - Joe Czerwinski

Glistening ruby-red. Red fruit preserves, exotic spices, garrigue and incense on the highly perfumed, mineral-accented nose. Juicy and energetic in the mouth, offering intense raspberry and cherry liqueur, lavender and fruitcake flavors that show impressive energy for the their heft. Velvety tannins frame a strikingly long, spicy finish that emphatically repeats the floral and red fruit notes. -- Josh Raynolds

Layers of ripe, sweet, fresh, lush, soft, polished, juicy red fruits paired purity, length and freshness. The wine is elegant, cherry filled and a pleasure to drink. The wine was made from 100% old vine Grenache from the La Crau lieu-dit and was aged in terra cotta, Amphora jars. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2017&wine=Domaine%20Santa%20Duc%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20La%20Crau%20Ouest

(91-93 points) The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Ouest checks in as 100% Grenache that’s sourced from sandy soils on the west side of the famed La Crau lieu-dit. Black cherries, strawberries, licorice, and earthy floral notes all dominate the bouquet of this solid effort. With medium to full body, considerable elegance, and top-notch purity, it’s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for a decade.

Fresh and pure in feel, with a tightly focused, racy beam of red currant, damson plum and cherry coulis flavors, laced with a floral note and carried by well-embedded acidity through a lengthy finish. An understated style, but very precise. Best from 2020 through 2035. 176 cases made, 24 cases imported. — JM