2018 Chateauneuf du Pape L’Avenue

Another tiny cuvée, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape L’Avenue is based on 100% Grenache from a single parcel of vines near the estate. It was fermented all in concrete and aged 18 months all in demi-muids. Its lighter translucent ruby color is followed by a beautiful Grenache bouquet of sweet kirsch and strawberry fruits interwoven with loads of Provençal garrigue and spices, new leather, and hints of orange zest. With medium to full-bodied richness, it displays considerable elegance, light tannins, and a great finish. It’s made in the charming, forward style of the vintage, and while I think it will be on a fast evolutionary track, it should still offer 10-12 years of prime drinking. Château de Vaudieu is located in the center of the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation, just south of Rayas. The estate is impeccably run by Laurent Bréchet with the winemaking falling to consultant Philippe Cambie. Today they release a number of special cuvées based largely on individual parcels around the domaine. The winemaking can be thought of as quasi-modern, with most of the wines destemmed and brought up in older barrels and demi-muids. New oak is kept to a minimum and the wines always show Provençal, elegant characters. In addition to the brilliant reds, this estate fashions some of the greatest whites in the appellation!