Domaine St Patrice - Old Vines - Côtes du Rhône 2021
Domaine Saint Patrice stands out as a benchmark address at the gates of Châteauneuf du Pape, with a philosophy focused on highlighting old vines and the great terroirs of the southern Rhône. The Côtes du Rhône Old Vines 2021 cuvée is the natural extension of the work carried out on the prestigious plots of the estate, as it draws its origin from soils contiguous to Châteauneuf, in the Champauvins, Coudoulet, and Boisfeuillet areas. These terroirs of sands, red clays, and rolled pebbles, bathed in light but ventilated by the mistral wind, offer complete ripeness without sacrificing freshness. The old vines of grenache, mourvèdre, and syrah, from massal selections, are cultivated there with meticulous care, in an approach respectful of the vine and biodiversity. Old Vines 2021 thus positions itself as a haute couture Côtes du Rhône, a true bridge between the accessibility of the appellation and the stylistic demand of a Châteauneuf du Pape estate.
Domaine Saint Patrice Old Vines Côtes du Rhône 2021 is born from a blend of hand-harvested grenache noir, mourvèdre, and syrah at perfect maturity. A significant portion of whole cluster, around forty percent, is retained to bring energy, a spicy framework, and length without hardening the tannins. The vinification takes place in concrete vats, with a long maceration of about five weeks, in a spirit of controlled infusion that favors the silkiness of the material and aromatic purity. The fourteen-month aging in French oak barrels refines the structure, polishes the tannins, and enriches the bouquet with spicy and slightly woody nuances, while preserving the fruit. This precise work yields a powerfully structured Côtes du Rhône, yet held by a freshness that clearly distinguishes it from the ordinary production of the appellation. Old Vines 2021 is designed as a wine of character, capable of revealing itself today while offering a potential for aging of about ten years.
On the palate, the Côtes du Rhône Old Vines 2021 shows a deep ruby robe with garnet highlights. The nose is rich and expressive, blending ripe red and black fruits, raspberry, cherry, and blackberry, with gourmand notes of garrigue, pepper, thyme, bay leaf, and a touch of licorice. On the palate, the attack is ample and juicy, supported by a creamy texture where grenache offers roundness and indulgence, while mourvèdre and syrah bring structure, tension, and a beautiful spicy depth. The tannins are present but perfectly polished, giving the wine a caressing texture and remarkable length. The finish is long, warm, marked by soft spices, black olive, Mediterranean herbs, and a slight saline touch that signs the great Rhône terroirs. At the table, this cuvée pairs ideally with a grilled rib steak, confit lamb shoulder, bull stew (gardianne de taureau), Provençal stew (daube), herb-grilled dishes, or pressed aged cheeses.
Grape varieties: Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre, Syrah
