2020 La Bastide Saint Dominique Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hesperides

Step into the heart of Provence, where the sun-drenched vineyards of La Bastide Saint Dominique yield a wine that embodies the essence of Southern Rhône elegance. Nestled in the foothills of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this family estate has been crafting exceptional wines for over four decades.The story of Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique began in 1976. Four years later, in 1980, the estate celebrated a milestone moment as they proudly produced, bottled, and sold their inaugural wine.

Built around a former 16th century chapel, the estate was founded by Marie-Claude and Gérard Bonnet, La Bastide Saint Dominique began as a humble dream nurtured on just a few hectares of land. Now, under the stewardship of their son Eric, this legacy continues to flourish, spanning 123 acres and producing a range of esteemed wines.

Here, tradition meets innovation, as the estate embraces organic farming practices to preserve the richness of the soil and the integrity of the vines. The unique terroir, characterized by limestone soils and tempered by the Mistral wind, imparts a distinctive character to each bottle. The estate has been certified organic since 2011.

Eric Bonnet, the mastermind behind La Bastide Saint Dominique, began his winemaking journey in the renowned vineyards of Burgundy. Influenced by the region's delicate approach, he expertly balances power and detail in every bottle. This fusion of Burgundian finesse and Southern Rhône terroir creates wines of unparalleled elegance and complexity.

In the sun-drenched hills of Southern Rhône, the renowned "Les Hesperides" vineyard of La Bastide Saint Dominique unfolds across a little over 2 acres. Planted in 1950, these cherished vines produce grapes of exceptional quality. Committed to estate-grown and bottled wines, La Bastide Saint Dominique ensures that each sip embodies the essence of the land and the vineyard's rich heritage.

Aging: 18 months in vat for a part and in demi-muids (600 liters oak barrels) for another part.

50% Grenache 50% Mourvedre. Rich nose of black berries, licorice, dark chocolate and oriental spices. Powerful mouth. Sensual tannic structure, dense and velvety finish.

Liquorice, tar and a slightly animal note lurking in the background from the Mourvèdre. Full-bodied, slick and lithe on the palate which is cut through by juicy acidity. Bold and juicy with no lack of depth, this has freshness and plentiful sinewy tannin to hold everything together. A remarkable wine. Vineyard planted in the 1950s in lieu-dit Les Bédines in galets roulés and sand. Fermented in stainless steel and then aged in stainless steel and demi-muids. 4,000 bottles made. ~96 Decanter

Earthy, spicy, fresh, rich and spicy, there is a smoky, mesquite accent to the red fruits. The wine is opulent, rich and intense, with density, and supple, polished tannins that support the layers of dark, red ripe, earthy, spicy fruits. This is one of the richer wines of the vintage. It should age evolve quite well. The wine was made with a blend of 50% Grenache and 50% Mourvedre. Drink from 2025-2040. ~95 Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider

Tasted a year ago, prior to bottling, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides—a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre from the lieu-dit of Les Bédines—boasts dark, almost meaty notes of mocha, black olive and plum on the nose. It's full-bodied, rich, concentrated and tannic and in need of a few years in the cellar. ~93-95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Hesperides is an even split of Grenache and Mourvedre that was raised in stainless steel tank and demi-muid. Rocking notes of blackberries, dried strawberries, peppery herbs, and sandalwood all flow to a medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant, balanced Châteauneuf du Pape with tons to love. It's already complex and drinking nicely yet should evolve for 15 years or more. ~93-95 Jeb Dunnuck

Intensely spicy with notes of licorice and hot asphalt, this Chateauneuf is only moderately fleshy and has stunning, fine tannins that give it a wonderfully velvety texture, then a very long powerful finish with mineral freshness. A grenache-based blend from vines planted on a gentle, north-facing slope in 1966. Drink or hold. ~94 James Suckling

Dark ruby, purple reflections, lightening on the rim. Delicately herbal savouriness, some liquorice and dark wild berries, some tar, rosemary, a tobacco touch. Complex, blackberries, sweet black cherries, ripe tannins, mineral, nougat on the finish. An elegant food wine with length and good ageing potential. ~94 Falstaff

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