It’s Appy Hour and Agent Rhone is VERY APPY today.

Santa Duc is back with a collectible cult Châteauneuf! One with a cadre of big scores, like 95 from Wine Enthusiast who noted its “perfectly ripe red fruit” and 94 from Jeb who lauded its “beautifully framed structure”.

Under $50 gets you a CdP that lines up alongside the best in the region, including many that cost 2-3x today’s price.

Santa Duc crafts what Wine Advocate calls “some of the most elegant and soulful wines in the Southern Rhône.”

That’s right. Let Vinous remind us of the genius level wine: “Yves Gras deserves full credit for pushing Domaine Santa Duc, his family’s property, into the upper tier of Gigondas, and the Southern Rhône, starting in the mid-1980s. Gras’ son, Benjamin, assumed control of 26 hectares of vines and winemaking in 2017, pushing quality even higher. Benjamin Gras arrived at the Domaine following graduating from the University of Dijon and stages at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Vega Sicilia.”

Press and points aside, the man cut his teeth at Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Vega Sicilia to make these ‘soulful’ wines, and IT SHOWS. This Châteauneuf redefines class and grace for the region, as those two things are hardly ever seen in the same place this harmoniously. Just read the raving reviews!

But do that after securing some ‘cause these are never as affordable as today…

95 Points, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast “A pure nose exuding perfectly ripe red fruit, enveloped by black plum, violet and green peppercorn. The palate is immediately greeted with a rush of acidity, rolling in a wave of black cherry, thyme stem, violets, iris, clove, and black tea. Though currently a bit wound, it should shine with impressive nuances with additional time in bottle. Undeniably irresistible.”

94 Points – Jeb Dunnuck “Lots of smoke, pepper and blackberries on the nose, but also ripe red berries and dried flowers that expand as it aerates. At once ripe and fleshy, but also silky and graceful. Full-bodied. Underplayed power until you get right to the finish where you feel the beautifully crafted structure. A cuvee of 60% Grenache from Le Pradel and 40% Syrah from La Font du Pape. 75% whole bunch. Matured in a combination of Stockinger oak foudre and clay amphora. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification.”

94 Points – Falstaff “Strong ruby colour, purple reflections, broader ochre lightening on the rim. Delicate dried herbs, sour red cherries, some nougat and candied orange zest. Juicy, candied violets, sweet cherries, ripe tannins, some honey and red berries on the finish. Already accessible and ready to enjoy.”