Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique is an excellent source of pure, modern-styled Chateauneuf-du-Pape & Cotes du Rhone. Their Chateauneuf vineyards are located in the commune of Courthézon (below), not far from Beaucastel, and feature all the important grape varieties - Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre & Cinsault - with some vines as old as 50 years in age. Furthermore the vineyards that provide fruit for the prestigious ‘Pignan’ Chateuneuf run alongside those of the world famous Rayas estate. We also highly recommended the Cuvée Jules Rochebonne, an excellent Côtes du Rhône made from 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache, aged partly in new oak. Winemaker Eric Bonnet has essentially taken over the running of this 25 hectare family estate from his father Gerard. His increased involvement has catapulted this estate onto the international stage whilst the prices are yet to catch up (for now).
‘This estate is well-worth following, especially for their top cuvee from the sandy soils of Pignan, near Rayas. Most consumers have not yet caught on to the quality of their wines (including their Cotes du Rhones), so prices remain reasonable.’ Robert Parker, October 2008
A sleeper of the vintage, this is a very special Cotes du Rhone made from 70% Syrah, 30% Grenache, aged partly in new oak. This is CdR with structure, purity and precision. An understated star of the vintage.