2018 Chateau de Vaudieu 'Amiral G' Chateauneuf-du-Pape

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.

As always, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Amiral G. is all Grenache that comes from a single parcel near the estate. An incredible bouquet of kirsch liqueur, seaweed wrapper, black licorice, and roasted garrigue gives way to a medium to full-bodied, powerful Grenache with a stacked mid-palate, beautiful tannins, and more power and richness than just about every other wine in the vintage. Nevertheless, like all great Grenache, it stays beautifully balanced and weightless on the palate. It’s already complex but promises 15 years or more of prime drinking. ~96 Jeb Dunnuck. 

Glistening ruby-red. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, pungent flowers and incense, and exotic spice and smoky mineral flourishes build in the glass. Palate-staining Chambord, cherry cola, candied lavender and spicecake flavors deftly meld depth and energy. The red fruit and floral notes drive a strikingly long, smooth and gently tannic finish that leaves suggestions of succulent herbs and allspice behind. ~95 Vinous Media.

A beauty, with captivating raspberry, plum and black tea aromas and flavors and a silky, seductive feel, this glides through effortlessly. So stylish it almost floats by, but it leaves a mineral edge to linger persistently, keeping it grounded. Drink now through 2035. 300 cases made, 30 cases imported. ~95 Wine Spectator.

Strong ruby ​​garnet, ocher reflections, subtle lightening of the edges. Delicate notes of precious wood, inviting berries, subtle hints of spices, candied orange zest are highlighted. Juicy, complex, fruity sweetness, present tannins, honey, peppery touch in the aftertaste, still seems underdeveloped overall, has definite aging potential. ~94 Falstaff.

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