About the Wine

Located about a five-minute drive outside the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape along the road that leads to Courthezon, you will find Château de Vaudieu. It is one of three 18th-century Chateaux located in the appellation, tucked into a small valley surrounded by hills and plateau. It is at the intersection of several major terroirs: sandy soils to the north, pale limestone and clays centered around a forested hillock, and two large plateaux of somewhat overexposed galets. The estate had a great reputation during the 19th century from exporting wines all over Europe. In 1955, Gabriel Meffre purchased this once historic estate. At the time, there were only 25 hectares of vines, and under his leadership, the estate reached 70 hectares – something very rare in the appellation.

Today Gabriel Meffre's grandchildren, Laurent Brechet, and his brother, Julien, run this ascending Domaine. Through their mother, Sylvette, they inherited several properties when Gabriel died in 1987, including Château de la Coulerette in Provence. Since taking over the property, Laurent has continued to expand plantings, especially on the underutilized limestone terroir. He has enlisted the assistance of Philippe Cambie (2010 oenologist of the year, Robert Parker) in the winemaking, and while the wines are modern in style, they showcase their terroirs beautifully. 

Chateau de Vaudieu is 550m south from the historic and formidable Chateau Rayas.

Aging: Syrahs are aged for 12 months in barrel, Grenaches, and Mourvedres in demi-muid.

Tasting Notes: 64% Grenache, 26% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. A deep ruby ​​color. The nose reveals a subtle blend of strawberry jam and cocoa bean, then notes of white pepper take the lead. On the palate, the attack is fresh thanks to a beautiful concentration of tannins.

Reviews

Bright juicy red and black cherry fruit form the core here, with light rooibos tea, red licorice, and alder accents filling in around. Fresh, fine-grained finish. Best from 2021 through 2031. ~92 Wine Enthusiast

Almond, black cherry, and violet, this has an appealing fragrance. Very full-bodied, full of glycerol fat. Gentle Herbes de Provence line in the background, orange peel with sweet spice on the finish, but not overtly oaky. Acidity is balanced, alcohol is high but this has smooth tannins and is very glossy - will be a popular wine. Mostly aged in demi-muids, along with some old barriques. ~92 Decanter

Moving to the 2018s. the base 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape comes from vines all around the estate, which is located in the heart of Châteauneuf du Pape. It displays the forward, sexy style of the vintage and delivers loads of kirsch liqueur, Provençal herbs, licorice, and flowery incense aromas and flavors to go with a medium-bodied, silky style on the palate. As charming and gulpable as they come, it’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 10-12 years. The blend is 46% Grenache, 34% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, brought up in old barrels and concrete tank. ~91 Jeb Dunnuk

Vaudieu's main cuvée, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape, is about 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. As usual, it's a ripe, lusty version of Châteauneuf, round and generous on the palate, with supple tannins. Black cherries pick up subtle herb and spice nuances on the softly dusty finish. It's a wine that gives pleasure now and should continue to do so for another decade. ~91 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

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