2011BastideCHDPPignan2011 Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique, red Chateauneuf du Pape “Secrets de Pignan” Rhone Valley, France.
La Bastide is modern, clean and focused on freshness with a lineup of fine Rhone wines that are all fermented in stainless steel that highlight the pure character of each wine, and while I sometimes enjoy a bit of funk and awkwardness in my Chateauneuf these wines are without question top notch and deliciously decadent and are masterfully crafted. The 2011 vintage is not getting the hype that 2009 and 2010 got in the southern Rhone, but that is just fine by me as there will be lots of great wine available, and it will not need too much cellar time to show it’s best, the year has nice acidity, forward fruit and a bit less alcohol by and large, and while slightly less ripe overall these wines can be much more pleasing, especially the latest offerings from La Bastide Saint Dominique, and this 2011 Secrets de Pignan is a stunner with everything you’d ever want from a Chateauneuf du Pape. The Grenache purity of this wine is joyous with hedonistic red fruits, mineral, spice and sweet herbs flowing throughout and lingering on forever on the finish. Floral essences, lavender and pomegranate notes go nicely with the plum and strawberry fruit along with creme de cassis, pepper and anise, plus a touch of sea salt and crushed stones. Still youthful and zesty at times this wine is drinking great now, though should develop nicely for another 5 to 7 years easy, best from 2014-2020.
($57 Est.) 94 Points, grapelive

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