2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu Château de Vaudieu

Offering more graphite, toasted spice and a hint of vanilla bean, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Val de Dieu, which is always the most modern style cuvée from the estate, is medium to full-bodied, beautifully concentrated, and has present, yet ripe tannin on the finish. Made from 64% Grenache, 28% Syrah and the 8% Mourvèdre, aged in demi-muids and new barrels, it will benefit from a year or two in bottle and keep through 2026

Deep ruby. Fresh dark berries, cherry liqueur, licorice, woodsmoke and a strong note of vanilla on the deeply perfumed nose. Concentrated and powerful but energetic as well; juicy acidity gives lift to oak- accented blackberry and cherry-vanilla flavors. The long, smoky finish features supple tannins, a touch of mocha and lingering oak spice. There's plenty of fruit here but the lumber presence is pretty pronounced and I hope it learns to play nice by the time the wine is bottled.

Delivers a pure, unadulterated beam of raspberry preserves, while subtle black tea, singed cinnamon and cocoa powder notes fill in through the finish. Concentrated, but silky and gliding along effortlessly. A hedonistic delight. Drink now through 2024.-J.M.