2017 Chateau de Vaudieu 'Amiral G' Chateauneuf-du-Pape 1500ML

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 plateaus. 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 for 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 of the historic and formidable Chateau Rayas.

Aging: 18 months in new oak half-muids of 600l

100% Grenache. This cuvée in tribute to the founder of Château de Vaudieu shows both the finesse and the power of the Grenache. On the nose, it has notes of Provence herbs and cherry jam, while the mouth balances between a powerful fruit and a minerality characteristic of the soil.

The wine is long, ripe, juicy and fruity. The fruit has left and persistency with energy, depth of flavor, and layers of spice, garrigue, kirsch, plum, and black raspberry. The wine is made from a 100% old vine, Grenache planted in sandy soils not too far from Chateau Rayas. ~97 The Wine Cellar Insider

Made from 100% old-vine Grenache, this rich, profoundly concentrated red floods the palate with flavors of luscious cassis and black cherry preserves. Voluminous and weighty yet framed by fine-tipped, wispy tannins, it's a flamboyantly juicy, fruity sip that finishes on piquant hits of anise and peppery spice. Approachable in youth but concentrated enough to drink well for another decade. ~96 Wine Enthusiast

Like the l'Avenue, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Amiral G is 100% Grenache aged in demi-muids. Unlike the l'Avenue, the Amiral G is more about opulence and power. It's full-bodied, ripe and plush, with impressive layers of black cherries, stone fruit, licorice and chocolate spice cake. Concentrated and chewy on the finish, it has all the ingredients for greatness—and it should get there relatively quickly, then drink well for at least a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. ~96 Wine Advocate

This is brimming with alluring fruit, as creamed boysenberry, blackberry and plum notes cruise through, inlaid with anise, black tea and mineral details. The long finish echoes with fruit and a light shiso leaf accent. Offers a gorgeous mouthfeel. Very hedonistic. Best from 2021 through 2035. 50 cases imported. ~95 Wine Spectator

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