2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Avenue Château de Vaudieu

The 100% Grenache 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape L'Avenue will spend 18 months in demi-muids. It has complexity and elegance as well as perfumed notes of black raspberries, spring flowers, orange zest, and incense. Medium to full-bodied, textured, and layered, it's very much in the style of the vintage with its elegance and suppleness yet has the balance and depth to keep for at least 10-12 years.

At the moment, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape l'Avenue comes across as warm, rich and a bit over the top despite simultaneously crisp acids and bright red berry flavors. It's full-bodied, with terrific intensity and a long, zesty finish. It should be interesting to revisit this next year and see how it evolves. 2020-2027.

Another tiny cuvée, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape L'Avenue is based on 100% Grenache from a single parcel of vines near the estate. It was fermented all in concrete and aged 18 months all in demi-muids. Its lighter translucent ruby color is followed by a beautiful Grenache bouquet of sweet kirsch and strawberry fruits interwoven with loads of Provençal garrigue and spices, new leather, and hints of orange zest. With medium to full-bodied richness, it displays considerable elegance, light tannins, and a great finish. It's made in the charming, forward style of the vintage, and while I think it will be on a fast-evolutionary track, it should still offer 10- 12 years of prime drinking.