Gigondas Hautes Garrigues Cuvée Prestige, Domaine Santa Duc 2019

I loved the 2019 Gigondas Les Hautes Garrigues, one of the finest vintages of this cuvée under the helm of Benjamin Gras. Medium ruby-hued, with gorgeous meaty, peppery, Provençal aromatics, it needs plenty of air, and while it started out closed and reticent, it blossomed with time and shines for its purity and complexity. Full-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated mid-palate, flawless balance, and a great finish, it’s going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. Drink 2026-20426.

Tasted blind. Very bright high-toned, pure and sweet fragrant fruit. Very focused palate which is supported by extremely refined elegant and layered tannins and a dark-fruit spiced note. Excellent extraction which shows off the elegant fruit character. Bags of freshness keep this alive and kicking. Drink 2024-2032.