The 2019 Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a proprietary blend from the renowned Rhone region of France, specifically the Southern Rhone sub-region and Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. This red wine, sealed with a cork closure, boasts an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Jeb Dunnuck, from jebdunnuck.com, awarded this wine a solid 94 points. He describes it as "another beautiful wine" with an aromatic profile featuring "ripe cherries, blueberries, rose petals, spice, and hints of spring flowers." According to Dunnuck, the wine shines on the palate due to its "beautiful elegance and purity." He highlights its medium to full-bodied character, complemented by "ripe, polished tannins and notable freshness," suggesting that it can evolve gracefully over the next 15 years.
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com gave this vintage an excellent review with a score of 95. Leve notes its "silky, elegant, soft and polished" nature, emphasizing the layers of "sweet, ripe, red cherries, kirsch, raspberries, spice and olives" present in both the nose and palate. He praises its "pure, energetic, fresh and vibrant" finish, which lingers pleasantly. Leve also points out that the wine was crafted from 100% old vine Grenache from the La Crau lieu-dit and aged in terra cotta amphora jars. He recommends enjoying this wine from 2023 to 2037.
Wine Spectator, another well-regarded publication, rated the wine at 93 points. Their review notes a "good, gutsy feel" with fruit flavors like "juicy and still slightly compact plum, raspberry and blackberry" taking the forefront. Additional hints of "licorice root, apple wood and dried garrigue" provide complexity. While the review mentions that the wine shows "more oomph than purity," it confirms that it is "solidly built." The blend consists of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Counoise, with an estimated optimal drinking window from 2024 to 2038. Only 400 cases were made, and 50 cases were imported.
In summary, the 2019 Domaine Santa Duc Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a well-regarded wine that promises a harmonious blend of ripe fruit flavors and elegant structure, with the potential for long-term aging.