2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu

Based on 40% each Grenache and Syrah with 20% Mourvèdre and aged 18 months in a mix of demi-muids (60%) and new barrels (40%), the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu offers darker berries, peppery garrigue, sappy flowers, and crushed stone minerality. It's medium to full-bodied, with a concentrated, layered mid-palate, ripe and building tannins, and nicely integrated acidity. Balanced and with outstanding length, it should gain complexity with 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years. Drink 2027-2042. Built in 1767 by Admiral Gérin, Château de Vaudieu is located in the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and run today by Laurent Brechet. The estate was purchased in 1955 by Laurent's maternal grandfather, Gabriel Meffre, and passed to Laurent's parents, Sylvette and Michel Brechet, in 1987. Laurent joined in 1990 and now leads the estate. The property covers 70 hectares in a single contiguous block, bordering Rayas to the north, with a mosaic of terroirs including sandy soils, decomposed red sandstone (safre), galets, limestone, and marls. The estate produces an extensive range across both colors. For reds, the classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the entry point, followed by four 100% Grenache bottlings: V de Vaudieu (a blend across the estate's terroirs: 40% sand/safre, 40% red sandstone, 20% rolled stones), Amiral G. (named for the admiral who built the château), L'Avenue (from a parcel of sand and red iron clay), and Val de Dieu (a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre aged in 60% demi-muids and 40% new barrels). For whites, the lineup includes a classic blend and single-varietal bottlings from 100% Picardan and 100% Clairette (Les Clairette de Gabriel, aged in 50% new oak), Clos du Belvédère from 100% Grenache Blanc aged in demi-muids, and Les Vieilles Roussannes (100% Roussanne from the Vaudieu lieu-dit, aged in 50% new oak). In particular, their Les Vieilles Roussannes rivals Beaucastel's Roussanne and is one of the finest whites in the appellation, and the other whites here are absolutely brilliant as well. Stylistically, these are never the biggest or richest wines in a vintage, yet they are always loaded with Provençal character and have that rare mix of richness, elegance, complexity, and finesse. This is a terroir-driven estate making some of the most compelling wines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape today.