Sourced from 100-year-old Grenache vines in the legendary, sand-dominant Pignan sub-zone—the same celebrated neighborhood as Château Rayas—the 2017 "Secrets de Pignan" is Domaine La Bastide Saint-Dominique’s unoaked, top-tier crown jewel. Fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel, this cuvée bypasses heavy oak extraction to preserve the unadulterated perfume, freshness, and site specificity of ancient vines planted back in 1920.

Back by matching 95-Point ratings from both Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, this benchmark library release bursts with high-toned wild strawberries, black cherries, candied violets, garrigue herbs, and sweet spice. On the palate, an intoxicating, feather-light silkiness gives way to a long, spice-infused, mouth-watering finish. It is an absolute masterclass in Southern Rhône elegance, delivering Rayas-adjacent terroir and serious collector-grade pedigree right out of the bottle.

Critical Acclaim:

A tiny production cuvée, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Secrets De Pignan comes from a famous vineyard located in the heart of the appellation (it's just beside Rayas) and is all Grenache brought up in stainless steel. Ripe, sexy notes of blueberries, black cherries, melted licorice, candied violets, and some loamy soil notes all flow to a powerful, ripe, opulent wine that has moderate acidity, ripe yet present tannins, and a great, great finish. This is one sexy Châteauneuf Du Pape that's already drinking nicely yet should evolve for at least 10-15 years.

All Grenache, all stainless steel, all pleasure, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan comes from the Pignan (Nord) lieu-dit. It couldn't be more different from the domaine's regular cuvée, boasting bright cherries and stone fruit up front, then a wonderfully full, lush mouthfeel and a long, silky finish. It should drink well for at least a decade. 93-95